Burnham-On-Sea MP asks government to consider Minehead barrage

Published: December 18, 2007
Burnham-On-Sea MP asks government to consider Minehead barrage

Burnham-On-Sea's MP David Heathcoat-Amory has this week asked the govermment to consider building the Severn Barrage from Minehead instead of Brean Down.

His letter to the Secretary of State for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, John Hutton, follows recent reports that the Government is now seriously considering how to harness the energy of the Severn Estuary.

In his letter, Mr Heathcoat-Amory states: "The effect of any barrage on my constituency would be immense during the construction phase. I write to ask that the proposed study covers this effect on the surrounding villages and coastline, as well as the wider environmental effect on the Severn Estuary."

"Second, I ask that the study includes alternative locations, such as from near Minehead across to South Wales, which may impound a much larger volume of water and could give additional protection from flooding for the whole Bristol Channel area."

"Third, the study should cover alternative methods of harnessing the energy of this tidal flow. This might include tidal lagoons or free standing water turbines on the sea bed."

"I would be grateful if you could confirm that your study includes these aspects and I will also need to be included in any meetings which your Department might arrange with those affected."

"I will be taking a closer interest in this study as it develops and have asked that the Minister keeps me informed of any developments that affect my constituency."