Tarset waterwheel project aims to raise cash

The village will then democratically choose where the money generated is needed, such as for a community bus to help those without transport, deliveries, and community events.

It is unclear how much would be generated until the Environment Agency decides how much water can be diverted.

Secretary of Tarset 2050, Dr Roger Wilson, said: "A lot of people have put effort into it because they feel it's worthwhile and will hopefully make a difference. The hallmark of the Tarset community is, instead of moaning about it, they do something about it.

"What we do have a lot of in the National Park is water. The idea is to feed the electricity into the grid and use the money generated for community projects. It can be anything the community wants to do but, essentially, towards funding services that no longer seem to be serviced by local government."

One of the main advantages of the waterwheel idea is the small initial outlay to build it, with estimated costs of £40,000 to £50,000.

The building will also continue the green theme by fitting into its environment, with the housing built out of stone. It is not the first time the site has been used in this way. The current ruined mill stands testament to hundreds of years of using the river's power at the site.

It is also possible that, should planning consent be granted, the wheel will become the first in a series of similar renewable projects.

Funding for the project has come from Northumberland National Park's sustainable development fund, the Community Foundation, the Northern Rock Foundation and One North East's Midas initiative.

The village should hear back about consent in the next few weeks and, if allowed, Tarset 2050 is very clear that the Burnmouth waterwheel will be all about the community.

In a statement of community involvement submitted to the National Park Authority in support of the application, villagers said: "The Burnmouth water wheel scheme can be described as instigated and developed by the Tarset community, to create an asset for that community, over which benefit the community itself will have control."