Protesters greet First Minister’s Castle visit

 

Mr Jones was in town to view the Castle’s new solar project which will power the 800 year-old National Trust property’s plant nurseries and tea room. It is believed to be the first energy neutral commercial plant nursery in the UK and has been funded by National Trust’s Green Energy Fund, which is supported by npower.

 

He also met with senior National Trust officials, including Justin Albert, the recently appointed Director in Wales, to discuss its ambitious energy plans.

 

The First Minister said: “The National Trust carries out important work protecting our heritage and harnessing renewable energy will play a key part in this.

 

“Using sustainable sources of energy is essential if we are to continue to reduce Wales’ carbon footprint and it’s great to see this in action at Powis Castle.”

 

Mr Albert added: “It is a great pleasure to welcome the First Minister and for us to have the opportunity to discuss and compare ideas on putting Wales to the fore in using renewable energy. The Welsh Government is leading the way in the UK with its approach to sustainable development.

 

“We really welcome the opportunity to discuss and work together with the First Minister to ensure that the National Trust is playing a big part in Wales’s continuing progress in renewable and sustainable energy development.

 

“Our plans for this groundbreaking solar energy scheme here at Powis Castle are part of a larger three-year plan to introduce greater use of renewable energy and cut energy consumption by the National Trust in Wales.”

 

About 20 protesters held a vocal demonstration to remind Mr Jones that the majority of Montgomeryshire remain vehemently against plans for more wind farms and associated works in the area.