I HAVE always welcomed the economic and environmental opportunities presented by a Severn Barrage, perhaps because it is the only means of lifting the economic gloom descending over the Forest of Dean, the South West and Wales. What prospects are there for young folk, with so many people constantly dimming this ray of hope for the future?

Where is the empathy for those poor souls whose homes were flooded around Tewkesbury and Gloucester and who live in fear of the next fluvial and tidal flow and surges?

The proposed barrage between Brean Down and Lavernock Point can be facilitated to raise and cut off the crest of these dangerous surges and freak storms and provide a sump for fluvial drainage.

Environmentalists should realise that even their special areas, for example places like Slimbridge, are ever exposed to these dangers. Further the often-advocated use of lagoons and tidal streams cannot be used to control rising sea levels – this aspect increases the ever present threat of freak storms flooding parts of Gloucestershire, Monmouthshire and Somerset.

With an estuary barrage located in the outer reaches, the in-coming tide would still have time and space to regain its energy on high tides for the Severn Bore.

Further this is an opportunity to bring local enthusiasts and entrepreneurs together, to promote their own barrage concept and a future with hope.

Otherwise there is very little prospect of a return to lifelong employment opportunities as enjoyed by my generation. Once again we are danger of turning our back on hope.

Many of us welcomed in the regeneration offered by the coalfield funding, only to witness the lethargic hand of mismanagement reducing its full potential. Already this golden opportunity afforded by the barrage, is being overtaken on our own doorsteps by the nuclear power option.

Personally, I understand why people are against the creation of another dam barrage such as the existing one at La Rance in France. However there are alternatives like an open channel and island peninsula concepts, which would be efficient, sustainable and beautiful creations. This approach would overlay the turbines and barrage infrastructure and provide community facilities at the same time. – Andrew Gardiner, Ruardean.