Steve Webb MP has claimed that the Severn Barrage has achieved ‘huge public support’ and represents an energy source which must be harnessed.

Webb, the MP for Northavon and Liberal Democrat spokesperson for the environment, believes the scheme would help to achieve the renewable energy targets set by the European Commission in January.

The Commission has requested a 20% jump in energy efficiency, with 15% derived from renewable sources by 2020.

“There is huge public support for harnessing the tidal power of the Severn and the potential for this project is huge,” said Webb.

“We are actively looking for low carbon sources of energy and the River Severn is a great renewable source that should be harnessed,” added Webb. “The government must investigate the situation fully and I am glad that a study into the barrage is underway.”

While environmental groups and campaigners have been outspoken about possible effects of the barrage, public opinion has been less obviously expressed. But Webb insists that the scheme has the backing of the majority of local people.

Support

“When I asked my constituents what they thought, there were six-to-one in favour of the barrage going ahead. There is a lot of latent public support and we need to drive that forward,” said Webb.

“There has been talk for too long about harnessing the power of the Severn and not doing anything about it,” he added. “We now need to get on with it.”

The Severn Estuary Partnership, however, are strongly opposed to the ‘intrusion’ which would be caused by the Severn Barrage and are adamant that it would destroy the natural environment.

The group manage the development and public use of the area and believe that the project is not the solution to the UK’s renewable energy targets.

Severn Estuary Partnership officer, Natasha Barker, said: “The barrage would be a terrible idea. We regard it as just a political ‘quick win’ in order to achieve climate change targets – it would ruin the Estuary.”

 

 

Save the Severn campaign leader Stuart Ballard doesn't believe the government's study can be balanced.

 

 

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