Burnham-On-Sea’s MP attended a public meeting in Mark on Monday (December 21st) where he supported the launch of a new campaign group fighting plans for a line of 150ft electricity pylons to be built through our area from Hinkley Point to Avonmouth.
David Heathcoat-Amory attended a meeting at Mark Primary School where dozens of local residents of all ages attended to further promote the campaign against the National Grid plans for a 400,000 power line.
A new group, called ‘Pylon Moor Pressure’, has been formed by residents to fight the two corridors of proposed pylons, one of which would run through Mark village.
Group member Gareth Woodcock, pictured above with the MP and fellow group member Alistair Comer, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We’re strongly against both the routes of pylons and want National Grid to re-think the plans.”
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Heathcoat-Amory said: “I am here to give my support and fully back this campaign. It is evident from the large amount of people here today how committed local residents are to fighting this every step of the way.”
Many of those at the meeting were parents of young children and one mother, Louise Pickles, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We don’t want pylons here. There has to be an alternative, the power lines should be underground. The cost shouldn’t come into it, particularly when health issues, such as childhood Leukaemia, are concerned.”
Another resident, Claire Comer, added: “What are the other options? We have only been told about two. If they can run cable underground in the United States and other parts of the world why can’t they do it here? Most of our other utilities have underground cables.”
Another campaigner, Marion Wright, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “They are trying to sneak this through at Christmas time when people have other commitments. It is a disgrace to even contemplate running huge pylons through an area of natural beauty. Obviously, no thought has been given to the effect on tourism.”
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Heathcoat-Amory said: “When I attended the meeting at Wedmore Village Hall on December 6th I advised the campaigners to keep up the momentum. Judging by the amount of people who turned out today, they are determined to fight to the end.”
“Another solution has to be found other than those that have been so far been put forward. It is not right to pylon the agony for residents living in any of the areas that would be affected.”
The formation of ‘Pylon Moor Pressure’ was also backed by Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Tessa Munt, who was also at Monday’s meeting.
Pictured right with resident Jeff Fear, she told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It would be bonkers to run the pylons through this wonderful part of Somerset. I’m a member of the 31 people who have formed this new group and we all believe that National Grid must find an alternative.”
First stage public consultation by National Grid will end on January 4th and residents have until then to submit their comments.
Burnham’s MP gave a determined salute as the children of Mark Primary School behind him spelt out the name of the new campaign group, Pylon Moor Pressure. Its website can be accessed here.
