A HUNDRED homes in Netherfield could be fitted with solar panels and a school fitted with a wind turbine if a bid by an environmental group is successful.

Netherfield Eco Action Team (Neat) and Netherfield Forum are hoping to secure up to £500,000 to make the community, which has already launched several green projects, even more environmentally friendly.

Clare Selwood, from Neat, said: "We started thinking about what we could do if we had the money and we had lots of ideas.

"It's very much about the community and the more partners we have involved the better.

"Netherfield already does quite a few eco-projects but it would be fantastic to do even more. People have responded well so far."

Neat is applying for money from the Low Carbon Community Challenge, run by the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Cash from a successful application could also be used to fund 100 energy-saving light bulbs, hundreds of water-saving devices and ten bikes for adults willing to swap driving for cycling.

Jobs could also be provided through the bid.

Neat has already launched a cotton-bag campaign which has dramatically cut plastic-bag use in the area, launched a successful seedling-swapping scheme and screened a film explaining climate change. Community groups involved include Netherfield Primary School, Netherfield Medical Centre, and the St Georges Centre.

Ms Selwood added: "Someone who doesn't live in Netherfield is usually amazed that we are doing something like this and the cotton-bag scheme.

"But it's a brilliant place to live and one thing about Netherfield is we have a fantastic sense of community."

Netherfield Primary School is hoping to further its work to encourage children to think green, which includes having a team of eco-warriors, by installing a wind turbine, recycling milk cartons and creating an "ecological ark".

The "ark" – a building where people could go to learn about the environment – would be made from sustainable materials.

Head teacher Sharon Jackson said: "We want to set up an ecological ark to help develop an ecological awareness centre for the community if the bid is successful."

Netherfield was put forward as a bidder by Gedling Borough Council.

Peter Baguley, head of planning and environment, said: "We suggested that the Netherfield Eco Action Team place a bid because they have run lots of successful eco-schemes and they work tirelessly in the community to help local people save energy, and reduce their energy bills.

"I hope their bid is successful because I know the eco team has a lot more to give, and this money will help them to continue the good work they are doing in the community and it will be something that other areas across the borough can also learn from."

Twenty communities, from a range of different areas across the country, will be chosen.

The application is set to be submitted by the end of the month with the decision being made in late January.

sarah.firth@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk