Inbrief

Barrage barrier…Environmental groups have welcomed the UK government’s announcement that effectively puts a stop to plans to build a barrage across the Severn Estuary.

Janina Gray, from the Salmon & Trout Association, said: “We hope we can finally put the idea of a full barrage to bed once and for all. The Severn estuary itself is a vital resource to the UK, providing important habitat for fish and birds and functioning as gateway for migratory fish to internationally significant rivers such as the Wye and Usk. We must now move forward and focus on developing new ways to generate energy in the estuary without destroying its wildlife, like a full barrier would have done'.

Kate Jennings, from the RSPB, agreed: “Once again, plans to build a Severn barrage have been effectively dismissed, described as ‘hypothetical’ and failing to demonstrate either effective mitigation of environmental impacts or value for money. This is fantastic news for the wildlife of the Severn, and a welcome blast of common sense from the Government.”