In my defence, l cannot know everything going on in Bath and North East Somerset – there is only me on this website – so l am happy to return to a recently covered story and see it from another point of view.
Stephanie Laslett writes:
Hi Rich, hope you’ll be able to cover the story from the perspective of the local residents who set up the campaign with Extinction Rebellion. Here’s our press release and some photos taken today.
And here it is in full!
Local residents working with Extinction Rebellion Bath heard yesterday that Conrad Energy have decided to stop construction of a gas-fuelled power station in Midsomer Norton. Their plans are now on hold whilst the company considers other options.
“We are over the moon,” said Christine Brittijn, local resident. “Along with Extinction Rebellion we have been campaigning hard since October and our petition has raised 1800 signatures. We accept the need for energy solutions but there is no place now for fossil fuels when there are other greener alternatives such as battery storage. Thank you Conrad Energy for listening to us locals!”
Abi Nimmo, another local resident, said, “It’s been a huge eye-opener working on a campaign like this and seeing what can be done in such a short time, and I have to say a big thank you to Extinction Rebellion who worked incredibly hard. They were not at all as some people might imagine them to be. They’re not “swampy types”, far from it, and I’m certain we got here thanks to their selfless support and determination.
“I’d also like to thank Bath and North East Somerset Council who have been negotiating with Conrad Energy. The power station would have had a disastrous effect on their aim to get to carbon zero by 2030 so this is good news for them, too. And of course it’s great news for the planet! ”
Cllr Sarah Warren, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, commented, “I’m very pleased that the council has been able to engage constructively both with Conrad Energy, and with local residents, supported by Extinction Rebellion. I’m really hopeful now that we will reach a greener outcome.”
Ros Pears of Extinction Rebellion said, “It seems that energy companies are realising they need to invest in the new technologies now available. The days of oil and gas are over and we’re all delighted Conrad Energy are embracing a green future.”
Luisa Kozlowski of Midsomer Norton said, “I’ve got two young children and one on the way and I can’t tell you how relieved I am to hear this news.”
Chris Shears from Conrad Energy, said, “Our business model is all about supporting the increase of renewable energy on the grid, whilst keeping the lights on, and we are very keen to support B&NES Council with its climate emergency and clean air objectives. We have taken onboard the feedback from councillors, and from local residents, and will work in partnership with the community to develop a solution in Midsomer Norton that works for everybody.”
Conrad Energy is now working in partnership with B&NES Council to investigate whether a greener solution for the site might be possible. In the mean time, development on the proposal has been suspended until Spring.
