MP demands National Grid answers
An MP believes the continuing threat from the National Grid is like the 'Sword of Damocles' over Montgomeryshire.
MP Glyn Davies is continuing to press for answers from the National Grid to abandon the Mid Wales Connection Project at the earliest opportunity, to lift the cloud still hanging over Montgomeryshire residents.
After a number of wind farms were rejected following a long public enquiry, it was expected that the National Grid would abandon their plans to construct a 40 kilometre line of massive steel pylons through the Vrynwy Valley from North Shropshire to Cefn Coch.
Two of the wind farm applications are still awaiting a decision in the high court, and Mr Davies has made repeated calls for the whole project to be scrapped all together.
He is still looking for assurances, and recently sent a letter to Sir Peter Greshon, chair of the National Grid.
He said: "It is a proposal which has caused great distress to me and to many of my constituents. It continues to cause distress. In every instance, you have refused to engage with my concerns.
"I accept wind farm developers, driven by the profit motive and caring not about landscape or people, are determined to steamroller the people I represent.
"In 2015, I wrote that during my forty years in public life, as a Council leader, Member of the National Assembly for Wales and as a Member of Parliament representing Montgomeryshire, National Grid’s proposals to build the Mid Wales Connection Project are much the most distressing and divisive issue I have faced.
"It has divided the communities, land owners and families. At a personal level nothing has caused me such worry or so many sleepless nights.
"As MP for Montgomeryshire, I have supported local groups opposing the scheme. Powys County Council listened to us. The UK Government listened to us. But not National Grid. I have found the response of your company to be quite shocking. I also believe that the Mid Wales Connection Project cannot possibly go ahead now."
Mr Davies wants the whole project ended immediately, and Hedd Roberts of the National Grid has said as soon as they know if the proposed connection is no longer there, then the National Grid will not be progressing with the planned connection.
However the MP was less than impressed with his response.
He said: "It is an unsatisfactory response. They are basically saying they don't know where there applications are.
"They are not saying anything, it just seems like one big secret society."
