Ambitous plans to build a barrage across the Severn Estuary from Brean Down, near Burnham-On-Sea, to Lavernock Point in Wales have this week been given the backing of local Labour Party officials.
Dan Whittle of the Wells Constituency Labour Party, which covers Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge, is calling on Conservative MP David Heathcoat-Amory and the Liberal Democrat’s Tessa Munt to back his calls for the government to “undertake an immediate appraisal of the financial costs and ecological impact of the full range of tidal power options that could be used in the Severn Estuary.”
In letters to the local party leaders, Mr Whittle (pictured) says: “I believe that taking advantage of this clean and guaranteed renewable energy resource is essential if the South West is to achieve energy security and effectively combat climate change.”
“I urge you to sign the enclosed letter which calls on the Government to undertake an immediate appraisal of the financial costs and ecological impact of the full range of tidal power options that could be used in the Severn Estuary, as part of their energy review. Each of our parties can talk about Green Energy but unless we do something real about it we will see climate change damage this area for future generations.”
Mr Whittle told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Politicians who are in favour of Green Energy in general often oppose it in their own area. I want to build a case for renewables in the South West through petitions, meetings and cross party support. People who want to join in can write to me at the Glastonbury Festival office address.”
Mr Whittle’s comments come after the Wells Constituency Labour Party passed a motion calling on the Government to undertake the appraisal so that the most suitable scheme can get underway by 2015. The motion now goes forward to the Labour Party conference in September.
Burnham-On-Sea.com reported earlier this year that Welsh entrepreneur Gareth Woodham hopes to have the barrage in place within 20 years.
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