INCREASING energy bills and worries over future energy supplies are rapidly becoming widespread issues of concern.

To look at how these can be dealt with locally, existing community groups based in West Devon, South Hams and Dartmoor National Park are working with Dartmoor National Park Authority and the local councils to come up with a Community Energy Plan.

Twelve established local groups have come together to work with local authority partners, including Transition Tavistock, Dartmoor Circle, Transition Town Totnes and groups in Okehampton, Ivybridge and Kingsbridge.

Kate Royston, chair of the partnership, said: 'Millions of pounds are spent annually by local residents on their increasing household and transport energy bills. Virtually none of this money stays in the area and we are looking at how we can work with the councils to take direct action and support policies that minimise our use of energy locally and increase our ability to generate appropriate renewable energies within the districts.

'Minimising use of existing energy is the priority. Alongside this the partnership will also look at those forms of renewable energy generation most suited to our area, ranging from solar and geothermal to hydro and biomass.'

A programme of awareness raising events, studies and training is being planned. The key aim is to produce a short, sharp plan that identifies current use of energy across West Devon, the South Hams and Dartmoor National Park area. It will provide clear actions for communities and councils to work in collaboration, delivering effective and appropriate energy saving and energy generation measures.

Jo Rumble, communities officer for Dartmoor National Park Authority, said: 'Dartmoor National Park Authority is pleased to work with such committed and proactive community groups looking at energy saving and generation.

'By working in co-operation with our local community groups we can come up with plans and actions that both the local authorities and local communities can work together on delivering.'

The plan and means for its delivery are currently being developed and the partnership will present its findings in the spring.