Oldham Council has commenced efforts to become one of the greenest local authorities in the country with the installation of a solar array on the roof of Tommyfield Market Hall.

Power generated from the new 110KW installation will be used to power the hall, which is used by more than 90 traders. The council expects to save around £9,000 on its annual electricity bill which will be used to reinvest in the site.

Savings will also help the council contend with budget cuts imposed by central government.

Councillor Abdul Jabbar, cabinet member for finance and human resources, said: “Over the next financial year Oldham Council needs to make savings of £19m so we need to come up with innovative ways of saving money to secure the future of buildings such as Tommyfield Market Hall, whilst at the same time finding clean, sustainable alternative energy sources.

“The roof of Tommyfield Market is a perfect site for this solar array due to its size and will be our flagship green project for 2016.”

Proposals to install solar panels on additional council-owned buildings are also being considered to try and further boost the council’s green credentials. Oldham Council says this activity has been sparked by the agreements made at COP21, claiming the global transition to a low carbon economy will strengthen the growing partnerships already taking place across the borough.