Severn Barrage 'must not be driven by profit' argues Burnham group

Published: October 30, 2007
Severn Barrage 'must not be driven by profit' argues Burnham group

Plans for a Severn Barrage "should be motivated not by profit, but by environmental and social considerations," a Burnham-On-Sea environmental group has warned this week.

Burnham-based 'Families for Clean Energy' (FORCE) issued a statement on the barrage - which could one day stretch from Brean Down (pictured) to Lavernock Point in Wales - just as a feasibility study into the multi-billion pound proposals gets underway.

The group believes that a "balanced approach" is required to the use of tidal energy within the Bristol Channel.

"Plans for a Severn Barrage should be motivated not by profit but by environmental and social considerations and the long term impact," said spokesman Julian Plested.

Burnham-based Families for Clean Energy (FORCE) "A feasibility study is clearly necessary. The study should consider all options, including the positioning of the barrage in order to preserve the Levels from flooding. In reality, the barrage may not prove feasible and tidal lagoons and sea bed turbines may be better options with more immediate energy yields and less environmental impact."

Julian Plested adds: "What is for certain is that we need real leadership from our politicians. They should neither be in hock to big business, nor chasing cheap and easy votes by backing Nimby groups and then shedding crocodile tears over rising sea levels. It is time for independent bodies such as FORCE and the Sea Flood Study Group to come together to press for a mature and considered debate. We owe it to our children."

The group argues that many of the government's proposals for future energy provision need to be more carefully thought through: "Many of the solutions proposed by government and business are not thought through and are influenced by powerful lobbies and commercial interests rather than concerns for sustainability, the environment and the wellbeing of the population."

Mr Plested added: "FORCE has argued consistently for green and sustainable solutions to our energy needs. We include wind and wave power, but also local initiatives such as domestic solar power and combined heat and power. Energy conservation has to be high up on the list of priorities."