MP set for National Grid showdown

 

Mr Davies declared only last month that he had initially refused the opportunity to “drink tea with the enemy” but has had a change of heart after the momentum returned to the anti-power campaigners.

 

“I have decided to meet with them after the comments made by the First Minister (Carwyn Jones),” said Mr Davies, who will meet National Grid and Renewables UK chiefs along with the Shropshire MP’s also affected. “I wasn’t involved with setting up the meeting and was reluctant to attend but I will now be there.”

 

Mr Davies has led an inspiring ‘people’s protest’ against multi-billion pound energy plans to erect more than 600 turbines, a substation and 100 miles of cables and pylons through the heart of Wales.

 

The campaign appeared to be faltering despite mass demonstrations but the First Minister surprised everyone by throwing his weight behind protesting Mid Walians in a statement last month.

 

It has re-energised the campaign, not least Mr Davies who has fought such plans for more than a decade.

 

Meanwhile, National Grid has said it has no plans to compromise on their expected 20-acre substation by suggesting it could occupy one of Montgomeryshire’s large empty factory premises.

 

“I can confirm that this is not true,” said a spokesperson. “We are still looking at the two areas of Abermule and Cefn Coch. Its exact location and size has not yet been decided.”