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Published:
December
22,
2009
Burnham-On-Sea
MP backs launch of new pylons campaign group
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.
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