Exclusive: Severn Barrage developer invites 'expressions of interest'

Published: June 15, 2007
Exclusive: Severn Barrage developer invites 'expressions of interest'

Map showing the proposed Severn Barrage route

Businesses and the general public are being invited to get involved with ambitious plans to build a multi-billion pound Severn Barrage between Brean Down, near Burnham-On-Sea, and Lavernock Point in Wales.

Welsh entrepreneur Gareth Woodham, who is behind the ambitious 'Severn Lake' project, is inviting 'expressions of interest' from businesses and the general public.

"We are asking for expressions of interest in a possible share offer," he told Burnham-On-Sea.com.

"If enough interest is shown, we will then look to provide a full prospectus. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get involved in a very exciting project," he added.

Brean Down "It is now quite clear that the Government is fully committed to Renewable Energy. My own contact with the Government and the two departments dealing with The Severn Lake project leads me to believe that this project can move forward quicker than initially planned."

"It seems that currently no other Companies wish to make that executive decision to start this project, so I must. I thereby invite expressions of financial interest," he said.

Mr Woodham is inviting interested parties to find out more through the official Severn Lake website here.

He also revealed this week that the proposed barrage - or 'energy causeway' as it is known - no longer includes a road running from Somerset to Wales, as first planned.

"There have been questions about whether another crossing between England and Wales is needed. By removing it from our plans, between 6 and 10 years of planning and building time can be saved."

Mr Woodham has this week also challenged the Green Party to poll its members about the barrage after receiving luke warm support to his scheme.

"Aparently, the Green Party grass roots supporters back our plan, but the leaders are against it," he said.

"I would like to see far more democracy in use and would welcome a vote of members in my presence to assess the party's feelings."

"We need to make a stark choice here between choosing renewable and sutainable energy or more nuclear power stations."

The news comes as outgoing Prime Minister Tony Blair said this week he supports the idea of a 10-mile barrage across the Severn. Mr Blair told MPs: "In principle, we want to see it done, but it has to be done in a way that is cost-effective."

Burnham-On-Sea News