A HEXHAM council building is one of five in the county which looks set to have solar panels installed.

Northumberland County Council’s cabinet is being recommended to give the go-ahead to installing more solar panels on buildings as part of the local authority’s renewable energy programme.

Earlier this year the council declared a climate emergency, with ambitious plans to reduce its emissions by half by 2025 and make the county carbon-neutral by 2030.

The installation of panels at Dene Park House, Hexham; Eddie Ferguson House, Blyth; Stakeford Depot; Riverside Centre, Blyth and Willowburn Leisure Centre, Alnwick, will cost around £378,000.

But it is estimated the energy savings achieved over the 25 year lifespan of the panels will be more than £440,000. The installations will each provide nearly a quarter of the buildings’ usage requirements - and save approximately 42 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.

Coun. Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for environment and Local Services, said: “Since we declared a climate emergency a lot of work has been going on to establish practical ways the council, our partners and the wider community can reduce our carbon footprint. While this is an issue for every one of us, it’s crucial where we can we lead by example and this scheme will harness the sun’s power to reduce the amount of carbon we’re creating each year.”