14 December 2009

Local MP Gordon Banks met with representatives of Partnership for Renewables in London last week to discuss the company’s plans for renewable energy production at Forthbank in Alloa.

Partnership for Renewables was established by the Carbo Trust to work with public sector bodies to develop renewable energy projects to both the public sector and local community.

They are currently working on a project in Alloa which could create up to four wind turbines at the Forthbank amenity site.  If the turbines are built they could power the equivalent of almost 85% of all the households in Alloa.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Banks said -

"I was very keen to meet Partnership for Renewables to hear about their proposals for Alloa and how they could make a positive contribution to reducing our CO2 emissions as well as powering 85% of the homes in the area."

"Clackmannanshire Council is already working closely with the company and I wanted to offer my assistance in looking at ways to move the project forward and making it more responsive to the local community's needs."

"The site at Forthbank, being the old landfill site, does not lend itself to many development opportunities but it may be that this is one option that will be of particular interest."

"I am interested to hear from residents in the area as to how these proposals will impact on them during the construction and production phases and am pleased that the company is in serious discussions with SNH, RSPB, local history groups and the community council.”

"The impact of the development from Alloa Tower also has to be considered as this is an important factor and if any residents have concerns or wish to make a point I would be delighted to hear from them."

"However there are opportunities alongside this development to deliver a range of improvements in the area and I look forward to seeing how these proposals are developed over the coming months."

"My colleague at Holyrood, Richard Simpson MSP, has also taken a keen interest in these proposals and he is questioning ministers about urging local authorities across Scotland to make better use of land which currently serves no purpose."