A BID to heat Bolton's council houses from from "solar energy" has been given a cool reception.

Bolton's grey climate has made the idea a non starter.

But council housing chiefs believe it could be used for boosting hot water supplies in homes.

The keen green housing department has carried out a survey to see if there was any way they could make use of the sun's rays to save energy.

But a report which will be presented to councillors later today will say that there is just not enough sun for the idea to be viable.

Cllr Noel Spencer, housing committee chairman, said: "It is disappointing. We are keen to investigate all forms of energy which will save fuel."

The report says that the only way they could make use of it is as a "supplement, not a substitute" for heating water.

But it would mean that homes would have to have an extra large tank to store a day's collection.

The council will, however, keep an eye on how other authorities get on which have installed solar panels.

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