Penclawdd residents reject plans for Coal Gasification in the Loughor Estuary

At a packed meeting held in the Penclawdd Community Centre on Wednesday evening (13 March), local residents unanimously rejected plans for Coal Gasification in the Loughor Estuary.

Organised by the Llanrhidian Higher Community Council, the meeting saw a presentation by campaign group Frack Off, which outlined the background to the plans and illustrated some of the issues surrounding Coal Gasification.  Local Councillor Mark Thomas also addressed the meeting to confirm that no planning application has been submitted to date.

Representatives of Cluff Natural Resources, the company that holds the exploration licence for the estuary, and the Environment Agency were invited to the meeting but declined to attend at this stage, claiming that the plans are not yet sufficiently developed for them to make any meaningful statements.

Following the presentation and comments from the floor, the residents present at the meeting rejected the proposal, with not a single voice raised in support of the plans.

Keith M Ross of local campaign group Safe Energy Wales said, “It’s a real pity that Cluff Natural Resources declined to attend the meeting to put their side of the argument.  However, it’s clear from the comments made by local residents that they are already well informed and aware of the risks that Coal Gasification poses to the estuary and surrounding area.

“The Loughor Estuary is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, bordered to the south by the Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  The mudflats and salt marshes are home to internationally significant numbers of wildfowl and waders.  The gathering and processing of cockles within the estuary contributes significantly to the local economy.

“Any industrial development in such a sensitive area is likely to have an impact.  Given the information that we heard at the meeting, it’s difficult to understand how this development can go ahead without any impact on the environment, as claimed by Cluff Natural Resources.”

Note:

Safe Energy Wales is a Swansea based collective of groups and individuals working together to raise awareness of issues related to energy production across Wales.  You can find us on facebook: ‘Fracked Swansea’

 

 

 

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