Forming a basin

THE Severn Barrage Project first came to the attention of North Somerset Council in 1995.

Mr S J Taylor, chairman of the management board for the Severn Tidal Group, provided us with detailed information, including a list of its members who were prepared to undertake its complicated, and costly, building. These members included McAlpine, Balfour Beatty, Alston Hydro, Rolls Royce, Taylor Woodrow and Carvillion.

Studies had been undertaken at the request of the Government, and had been reported in Energy Paper 57 published in 1989 by HMSO.

It was clear that the effects and causes of climate change had a high priority, and in the Severn Estuary concern was raised about the consequences of the increased frequency and severity of storm surges, producing increased flooding risk.

With the construction of a barrage, over seven per cent of our annual electricity would be generated, avoiding the emission of CO2 some 140 miles of coastline would be protected, forming a basin above the barrage.

When built, it would lead to the provision of much-needed 30,000 permanent jobs in the region.

With resources running out, this planet must look to nature's answers - including cars that can run on H20 as well as safe, long-lasting energy from water, and light.

JOHN CARTER

Addicott Road

Weston