Firm quizzed over power plant plans
9:16am Friday 16th July 2010 in News
BLACKROD residents had their chance to ask questions and air concerns about a proposed green power plan at a consultation day held at Blackrod Library yesterday.
Staff from the renewable energy company Blue NG talked visitors through artist’s impressions and plans of the proposed site, which they are hoping to build on the site of an existing pumping station off Dark Lane.
Richard Lyddon, head of communications at Blue NG, said: “We are delighted. A huge number of people have come in and we have had some really frank and open discussion.
“People have listened to what we have to say, and we will be sending their feedback to the borough council.”
The plant will use oilseed rape and waste cooking oil to create enough energy to power the equivalent of three quarters of all Bolton households.
Blackrod resident Robin Smith, who lives in Nightingale Road, said: “It is the first time I have really looked at it and providing it is all as they say then I am slightly more in favour of it than I was. But I am concerned about the noise and whether the transport infrastructure can cope.”
However, other residents were less convinced, citing the refusal of permission for a similar site in Southall, near London, as a worry.
Michael Fletcher, of Clifton Drive, said: “It worries me why up here in Blackrod it is fine to build this station, but it has been turned down in London.”
Joan Berwick, who lives in Harrison Crescent near the proposed site, said that her major concern was the effect of emissions on residents’ health.
“I’m dead against it,” she said. “We are very worried about the emissions. There are houses very nearby, including ours.”
However, her husband Stanley was more positive about the project.
He said: “There seems to be very little you can object to.”
Representatives from Blackrod and Horwich Environmental Group were conducting an exit poll at the library which suggested that the majority of residents object to the plans or are undecided about them.
John Price and Ruth Richmond from the group said that they were concerned about the long-term sustainability of the plant and disputed Blue NG’s assertion that 50 local jobs will be created.
kdibbits@theboltonnews.co.uk
