LEAVING apart his observations on government ministers, Cy Roberts Coalway (Re­view February 27) makes some pertinent observations re-

gar­ding the proposed tidal power schemes in the Severn Estuary.

 The Severn Estuary has great potential for tidal power and forms an important part of the Government's energy strategy to combat climate change. 

 Three barrage schemes based on established hydroelectric technologies and two tidal pool concepts have been short-listed for detail study in the second phase of the feasibility study. 

Any development of this magnitude will bring changes to not only the environment and ecology of the estuary but also to communities in South West England and South Wales.

Mr Roberts is quite right, although the largest barrage (Cardiff to Weston) could supply 5 per cent of UK electricity, there are also negative impacts. Migratory fish such as Atlantic salmon and eel will be affected. The barrage is not seen as increasing flood risk. It might even help reduce effects of Atlantic storm surges. Shipping locks would be required and Bristol and Cardiff Ports Authorities are fully engaged in the ongoing consultation to find workable solutions.

Environmentalists consider the tidal pool schemes less harmful but their electricity potential is limited and technology not yet developed for large-scale application. On the other hand there would be economic and employment benefits during construction and after construction whatever is built. As things stand, sea levels are projected to rise from 80cm to 1 or 2 metres from global warming and inundate the salt marshes and tidal flats.

Councils, and community organisations are being consulted whether the right things have been considered so far and if there are other issues needing consideration, also, whether the adverse effects outweigh the benefits and we should wait for environmentally less harmful technologies to be developed.

 Cy Roberts and others interested in helping society tackle the serious climate change challenges should actively participate in the Government consultations rather than shout from the sidelines. – Cllr Venk Shenoi, Blaisdon.