Farron pledges hydro renaissance

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 7th Apr 2010

Shadow Defra Secretary Tim Farron MP has today pledged a major investment in green energy and specifically hydro power for the Lakes.

The county has many fast flowing rivers that could be utilised to allow the South Lakes to become the 'hydro hub' of the country. Tim has been working with local constituents to facilitate the development to green energy projects in the South Lakes.

Tim said, "With all the government's rhetoric on support for green industry, there are major barriers in the system for businesses and communities to produce hydro power. It should not cost small businesses £80,000 for a national grid connection - Liberal Democrats will waive this cost so that new hydro schemes can be developed across our area. The next government must deliver a green economy for Cumbria.

Despite the fact that Cumbria has Britain's fastest flowing water ways, there are only 6 working hydro schemes in the entire county. I want to change that and build upon our proud history of producing energy from water here. Its time for the talking to stop and for real action to bring a hydro renaissance to Cumbria to create well paid jobs and safeguard our environment."