A RADICAL idea to place solar panels on top of a huge Worcester multi-storey is expected to be launched in an 'eco-friendly' drive.

It could see a canopy built on top of St Martin's Gate car park which will be covered in the sun-worshipping panels.

Worcester City Council has agreed to put £80,000 aside to fund the project in the hope it proves a money-spinner.

Despite plenty of local authorities turning to solar panels in recent years to take advantage of a Government payback, the council has yet to have any in the city - mainly because its buildings are listed.

The only potential option has been the old Orchard House HQ in Farrier Street, but it was sold to the University of Worcester in 2014 for a deal totalling £3.1 million.

But a small committee of councillors has been assessing other ideas, with the 780-space St Martin's Gate car park off City Wall Road emerging as the ideal site.

The £80,000 is expected to be enough to pay for the feasibility work and a canopy over parts of the roof, which is currently open to the elements, as well as the actual solar panels.

Some of the money is also expected to be spent on electric car charging points within the multi-storey, with electric cars also set to be offered free parking on the site.

Green Councillor Louis Stephen, who secured cross-party support for the cash to be included in the new 2017/18 budget, said: "The council is looking to find new ways of attracting revenue but this is also about sustainability, and doing our bit for the environment.

"We want to build a canopy and put the solar panels on it - the council will get money from the feed-in tariff, and it can use the electricity on-site as well as potentially sell it on to others."

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The two main political parties have given the idea their backing.

Conservative Councillor Roger Knight said: "I started the process of looking at solar panels some two or three years ago - we've looked at putting them on council properties and a couple of sites which could be 'solar farms'.

"I'm fully supportive of it."

Labour Councillor Lynn Denham, cabinet member for sustainable communities, added: "Ever since I was elected in 2012 I've been saying 'what about solar panels'.

"We need to work out the business case, but there is a piece of work which I've initiated to look into that and the budget puts money aside for it."

The feed-in tariff is a Government scheme which offers payments to those who create their own so-called 'green energy', with additional bonus payments for electricity exported to the National Grid.