A WINDFALL of up to £250,000 could be on the way for Padiham Town Council after a power company asked the authority to investigate possible sites for windfarms.

Powergen has written to the council asking it to suggest sites for farms.

The sites which would have to be at least 25 acres in size and, it is believed, would contain two or three turbines providing power to 3,000 homes in the area.

The company would plan, finance and build any farm.

The landowner would also receive an annual fee from the company for the use of the land.

Jonathan Smith, a spokesman for E.ON UK, the company that runs Powergen, said if a suitable site was found the life expectancy of any windfarm would be between 20 to 25 years. He said: "A successful scheme could make up to £10,000 a year, obviously depending on number of turbines and how much power is produced."

The parish council will discuss the matter at a future meeting.