HYDROELECTRIC power stations in West Devon could become the centre of a new eco-tourism plan being considered by South West Water.

The company, which inherited stations at Morwellham and Mary Tavy, has outline planning permission for a three-pronged development to bring more visitors to see sustainable energy in action.

Responding to a request by the Mary Tavy Parish Council, SW Hydro group manager at Mary Tavy power station Steve Cryer, outlined the company's ideas.

He told councillors the first part of the development would be to build the new 'Education Centre'; stage two would involve upgrading the Tavistock canal tow paths and the building of new bridges — the canal diverts water from the River Tavy to the River Tamar through the Morwellham hydrostation.

A new car park at 'The Burrows' in Mary Tavy would come in stage three.

SWW spokesman Stephen Swain said the plans were 'aspirational' at the moment, but they hoped to replace the current centre, housed in temporary cabins, if it proved both possible and viable. They also hoped to have a foot and cycle path link to Morwellham and explanatory boards describing the production of hydroelectricity.

Mr Swain said SWW, which owns a waste disposal company under its parent The Pennon Group, might be able to get 'Entrust' funding from Landfill Tax credits, which can be diverted to ecological projects. Matching funds would need to be sourced elsewhere.