WESTON sits on a world class natural phenomenon - the Severn estuary tidal range. The barrage would obviously change all that

WESTON sits on a world class natural phenomenon - the Severn estuary tidal range. The barrage would obviously change all that. What it would take away is the startling beauty of the sea at Weston at all points of the tide. From the sea lapping on the sea wall on summers' evenings to the end of the world, and desolate beauty at low tide. A large brown pool of water, a muddy foreshore and a view of a big concrete wall blotting out the horizon could result from the barrage. Is there a guarantee that the water level required for the barrage would mean a waterline lapping on the sandy upper part of the Weston beach or somewhere out beyond the Grand Pier? The barrage would suffer the inefficiencies of any large point of electricity production - the significant loss of energy during transmission. If a large scale renewable scheme is required, then there are alternatives to utilise tidal power which wouldn't have the same impact of a big concrete dam.We do need more renewable energy and tidal energy must play a part. I hope the Government's feasibility study is thorough and done properly. Weston has a lot to lose with the barrage scheme and the benefits are uncertain.MARK MALEHAM - Westwood Close, Worle