MP unhappy at Welshpool snub

Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies is unhappy that Welshpool has been snubbed by the windfarm giants who will be chugging their huge loads through the town this summer.

Mr Davies said the public events in Pant and Newtown are not enough and has asked wind farm developers’ Renewable Energy Systems (RES) and Awel Newydd to meet with Welshpool residents as well.

However the energy giants have said no, instead telling Mr Davies that residents can visit the other two events to learn about their turbine delivery programmes for the proposed Tirgwynt and Garreg Lwyd Hill Wind Farms.

The events are intended to convey information about its turbine delivery plans, including queries on timings of turbine convoys as they pass through key locations on route, and regarding police escorts.

“I’m very disappointed,” said Mr Davies. “I had requested an event because both deliveries will come through Welshpool, and the route for the Tirgwynt Wind Farm will come right through the centre of the town. This will obviously cause considerable disruption to both residents and motorists, and I feel it is only right that those who will be affected are given the chance to be consulted on the developer’s plans.

“RES and Awel Newydd have indicated to me that their justification for not holding an event in Welshpool is that they have already sent out over 3000 invitations to properties within the area for the events in Newtown and Pant, and have so far only received four responses.

“However, it is quite obvious that the low response is most likely due to the fact that the events are not being held locally for most residents.

“I have spoken with many residents who live in the town and the vicinity who would welcome the opportunity to speak with the developers in Welshpool about their delivery programmes, and I would urge them to reconsider their decision.”

Last week a test run brought the town to a standstill, and provided a grim prequel to the disruptions we can expect for several weeks.