Harnessing waterpower for the community
Greg Barker MP and Neil Carmichael see how a threat could be turned into an effective resource.
Neil Carmichael, Parliamentary Candidate for Stroud, and Greg Barker MP, Shadow Minister for Climate Change, visited Steanbridge Mill to meet members of the Slad Brook Action Group and to see the refurbished millpond, providing valuable flood control and hydropower potential.
Members of the Action Group gave the background to recent flooding problems and stressed the importance of water management along the whole valley in terms of working with nature, restoration of historic mills and maintenance of drainage systems.
Lionel Walrond, former curator of the Stroud Museum, said, “With 150 historic mill sites in the Stroud Valleys, there is enormous potential for small scale hydropower schemes with the added advantage of helping to control flooding long before it reaches Stroud.”
Greg Barker MP was very impressed with the community theme and has followed up his visit with further contact and information.
The work of the Action Group is an excellent example of the community working together for a clear and worthwhile goal. To underline this, Stroud Town councillor, Chas Townley, explained how sensible land use upstream could benefit flood control downstream.
Neil Carmichael, experienced, himself, in water management, said, “Water is a valuable resource and needs to be properly managed. Local people often know the most about how this should be done and, in turn, they could benefit from small scale hydropower, a potentially significant renewable source of energy.”
Picture: Greg Barker MP and Neil Carmichael looking at the enticing prospect of a hydropower scheme at Steanbridge Mill
Tags: Local Action, Renewable Energy, Stroud
