THE decision to cancel the Atlantic Array project to build a large wind farm off the North Coast of Devon is a huge blow to all of the county. The creation of a carbon free source of energy to tens of thousands of homes to Devon and the creation of hundreds of long term jobs in a growing industry would have been a massive boost to the local economy.

As a sensible green supporter I share the concerns people have about some aspects of moving away from oil and gas sources of energy, but surely it must make sense to have a proper mixed energy supply which reduces our dependency on ever more expensive and polluting carbon fuels.

We have been told that the decision to cancel the scheme was because 'technical' difficulties made it uneconomical to proceed but I am convinced that the reason RWE has pulled out, is not only the increased costs, but also the government's negative attitude towards renewable energy generation. We can all be totally sure that, if costs increase at Hinkley Point (and they will), the government will increasingly put the UK taxpayer in hock to the Chinese and French taxpayers!

West Devon could be self sufficient in energy if we invested in reducing energy use and developed alternative sources of carbon free energy. The result would be reduced fuel bills for householders, many more local jobs, and a cleaner environment.

We should all be challenging our politicians to explain what action they are taking now for the sake of our futures.

Martin Cusack

Coordinator, West Devon Green Party