The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A Better Tomorrow, there is a way to end austerity locally and even raise the quality of public services.
No, it is not a magic wand, the Government has made £6bn available for Green Energy projects, we need to build a tidal barrage across the Wash incorporating turbines for electricity generation.
This would produce cheap green power for us and a massive cash revenue to enhance local services. It would also reduce the danger of tidal surge flooding helping many, and the drainage boards would have reduced operating costs enabling a cut in their precept costs. This would be more than compensated if they invested their reserves in the project, also as reported in the Voice SHDC has considerable reserves earning very little return.
What is likely to happen is that the nuclear industry, of dubious green credentials, will have it all. EDF have troubles building a new plant in Normandy, work stopped due to faulty weld inspections and running three times over budget and Hitatchi are having problems with their build in Wales. We also have no plans for the safe long term storage of high level nuclear waste, this facility alone could cost over £6bn.
The alternative is a safe green barrage, the tides will continue twice a day and the running costs of a water turbine are minimal.
There is nothing new in this idea, I did a geography project at school 55 years ago to demonstrate its viability.
Let us hope that common sense will prevail and we get the go ahead, I am sure our Dutch friends can provide all the expertise needed.
Douglas Dickens
Pinchbeck
