A COUNCILLOR has called for local authorities to go back in time and start powering their buildings by water -- just like mills in the Industrial Revolution.

Lancashire County Council's Lib Dem leader David Whipp suggested the move as the cabinet approved plans to look at renting county council land for wind turbines.

The rent money would be used promote energy conservation, such as discounted insulation for housing.

Alternatively, the county council could buy second-hand turbines, sell the electricity it produces and spend the money on projects such as reduced insulation.

But Coun Whipp said: "Our topography, I think, lends itself very well to the use of hydro-electric power.

"You only have to look at some of our mills to see how effective it has been in the past."

Coun Tony Martin, in charge of property and finance at the county council, said: "I agree that it would make sense, because most of our water comes from reservoirs and I am sure there is power to be harnessed.

"But it is very expensive and getting companies interested is very difficult."

The council will now continue to look at wind power, as well as considering other green sources of power.

Chris Cheetham, in charge of social services, said: "The council has agreed to trial water heating using solar power in a school but I think we should also look at it for our care homes."