FLIMBY'S New Balance factory is racing towards its goal of being carbon neutral.

An application has just been submitted to Allerdale council to investigate whether two 157ft wind turbines would be allowed at the sports shoe factory. It wants to erect them at the edge of its land, nearest Workington.

The factory is leading the way in going green within its American parent company, which will consider whether other factories follow in its footsteps.

Andy Okolovicz, Flimby factory manager, said that over 600 solar panels had been installed around the site – and that was only the start.

He said: “We began in 2013 with 208 50kw solar panels on the south side of the plant and this year we have put another 400 100kw panels in."

He said that while the full pay-back will take about six years, the factory was in it for the "long haul".

He added: "New Balance has been here for about 35 years and we want to be here for at least another 35 years. We feel that this is the right thing to do.

“Whether you call it global warming or not, the climate is changing and we owe it to coming generations to do our bit."

He said the company would save £35,000 and 118 tons of carbon dioxide a year from the solar panels.

The company has lodged a request with Allerdale council to see whether an environmental impact assessment is required before lodging a full planning application.