Local firms pedge on £5m plant

The developer behind plans for a new power station in Shropshire today said it would cost at least £5 million and could involve several local firms.Chris Day, of Oxfordshire-based CJ Day Associates, said up to 10 local businesses would be involved in building the power station in Bishop's Castle, which would provide energy for 2,500 households.

Mr Day said the power station would be carbon neutral because it would burn biomass and energy crops.

He said: "We have been holding confidential discussions with a number of people.

"We have completed all the technical studies and there are business plans ready. We have confidence that the project is viable."

Mr Day said he had prepared a four-page community information document leaflet, which would be circulated in Bishop's Castle.

Further details will be made available at a town council meeting on March 27 and there will be a presentation to members of the public at the Church Barn on April 3 from 5 to 8pm.

Mr Day said: "We want to meet people and allay their fears. We are state of the art in environmental matters.

"After our meetings with the public we will have one or two pre-application meetings with South Shropshire District Council. We will submit our planning application in early April."

Mr Day said that business partners would include companies from farming, forestry and environment sectors.

Jim Collin, a campaigner from Lydbury North, said people wanted full details about the environmental impact. There were concerns over pollution, transport and effects on health.

More than 100 residents attended a meeting about the plant on Wednesday.