Grid accuses MP of trouble tweeting

 

The Montgomeryshire MP, an ardent user of social media, has been whipping up protest support against National Grid’s plans to industrialise parts of his constituency with a 20-acre substation at Cefn Coch and related power infrastructure.

 

But the energy giant says he has gone too far, and in a letter leaked to mywelshpool, they have asked him to tone it down, a request the MP finds “utterly bizarre”.

 

David Mercer, Major Infrastructure Development Manager, said: “National Grid is concerned that a number of your ‘tweets’ over recent weeks may be unhelpful and indeed, perhaps, unwittingly prompt threatening behaviour from some members of the public.”

 

But an angry Mr Davies has responded defiantly to National Grid and has challenged them to prove it.

 

“I consider this to be an utterly bizarre comment for you to make and would welcome you supplying me with evidence to back up your assertion,” Mr Davies responded.

 

“As you will know, since the Mid Wales Connection was first proposed, I have made it clear that I will do everything within my legal power to prevent you taking it forward. I made this clear to Mr Nick Winsor at as meeting in the House of Commons earlier this year. I meant it. I have no personal animosity whatsoever (quite the opposite) towards employees of National Grid but my responsibility is to my constituents.

 

“National Grid’s declared intention is to visit massive desecration on my constituency and you may be assured of my continued activity on social networking sites and on the floor of the House of Commons to prevent it happening.

 

“I am always more than happy to meet, but it can only be against the background of total hostility to your project.”

 

A meeting in Welshpool was switched last week on police advice and the initial consultations since have seen a large police presence and widespread anger towards the Grid intentions.

 

Meanwhile, The North Wales Association of Town and Larger Community Councils, representing 31 Town and Larger Community Councils in Mid and North Wales, has also announced its objection to the plans, including all proposed windfarms.

 

Cllr Joan Butterfield, Chair of the Assocation, said: “The scale of development proposed in a rural area where its main activity, along with farming, is tourism, is not acceptable and the Association has reconfirmed that it will object at every level.”