A COMMUNITY-owned Watchfield solar farm is getting new management.

Shepton Mallett-based firm BSR will take on responsibility for managing the solar farm.

Westmill Solar Park was the first community-owned solar park in the UK and generates enough electricity each year to power 1,600 homes. The co-operative has 1,500 members.

The solar farm and five wind turbines, which are visible to commuters driving along the A420, were built from 2011.

BSR will take over responsibility for managing the solar farm on the Watchfield site this month.

Martin Allman, director at Westmill Solar Co-operative, said: “We are delighted to have BSR working with us to maintain the excellent performance of our wonderful solar farm. BSR have demonstrated a commitment to achieving high standards of quality and value for money on many other solar farm sites.

“Their team recognise the unique nature of our project and their passion for community energy is clear.”

Graham Harding, BSR’s managing director, said: “We are extremely passionate about driving measurable cost and efficiency benefits for community energy.

“This is a flagship project for us and we’re excited for the opportunity to further demonstrate the value we are able to add to community energy projects which are an increasingly important part of the UK energy market.”