Derek said: “Following the announcement that the Department of Energy and Climate Change has backed the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon project, I felt it was important to raise local people's concerns once again about plans to source the stone from Dean Quarry.
I have long held the view that the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon project and Dean Quarry are not mutually dependent, and the potential impact on the Manacles Marine Conservation Zone should not be underestimated."
Writing to Amber Rudd MP, Secretary of State for the Department of Energy and Climate Change, Derek called for the Department to ensure that any government-funded project delivered value for money for tax payers. He highlighted that alternative suppliers had stated they could offer greater value for money which would reduce the detrimental impact such a project would have on the local area.
Derek also wrote to George Eustice MP, Minister of State for Farming, Food and the Marine Environment, raising serious concerns over the Marine Conservation Zone and the potential violation of laws that protect such areas from harmful projects. He asked that the Department investigate this further.
Finally, Derek wrote to Phil Mason, Head of Planning, Housing and Regeneration, at Cornwall Council, emphasising the concern shared by many about the effect the project could have on tourism and businesses that work in the area.
Derek awaits responses from Amber Rudd, George Eustice and Phil Mason. These will be shared on his website in due course.
For further information please contact Derek Thomas 07974 797754