THE first day of public consultation over plans for a hydro electric turbine opposite Salts Mill has attracted favourable comments from many visitors.

Bradford Council is canvassing opinion on a proposed renewable energy scheme which involves a giant Archimedes Screw being installed at Saltaire using the same weir Sir Titus Salt used to drive his mill machines.

The submerged turbine would generate 339,000 kilowatts of electricity a year - enough to power some 100 homes.

The estimated cost would be up to £1.2 million, which would be repaid in around nine to 12 years.

As well as providing renewable energy, the hydro electric plan will also provide an educational resource, incorporates a 'fish ladder' for salmon and sea trout and will improve the riverbank in the area.

Baildon resident, Professor Glyn Turton, is a shareholder in the Settle Hydro Scheme and gave his approval to the Saltaire plan.

"The scheme is consistent with the locality, it's unobtrusive and environmentally sensitive," Prof Turton said.

"I'm particularly enthusiastic about a scheme sponsored by a local authority.

"It's the kind of initiative we could do with more of and I commend Bradford Council for it," he added.

Ralph and Evelyn Brecknell live beside the River Aire and close to the scheme and were also keen on the idea.

"I think the fact it produces free electricity is wonderful and the fish ladder will fascinate children," Mrs Brecknell said.

Bradford Council officer Neil Morrison has developed the hydro scheme from the outset and said it was vital to gather the full range of local views.

"We have specific questions for people and have already taken a lot of comments on board such as reducing the scheme's height and trying to remove clutter from the railing."

And he explained that it was not a council vanity project.

"Unless it pays for itself - it won't go ahead, it's as simple as that," Mr Morrison said.

"The council may be revenue poor, but capital funds are relatively easy to get and this will pay for itself and then generate revenue income in the future," he said.

Mr Morrison said that while the Northern Power had so far not shown interest in taking the electricity to offset against the council's own bills, there was keen interest from Saltaire firms and businesses.

Local group Friends of Roberts Park has previously opposed the hydro scheme, but speaking at yesterday's consultation its treasurer Robert Freeman said they were now reconsidering their position.

"We did think it was inappropriate, but are going to re-visit this because a lot has changed and is less intrusive with a glass cover over the turbine and improved fish ladder," Mr Freeman said.

The Friends will discuss the hydro scheme at their AGM on December 3 at SaltsSports Club.

Today is the second day of the consultation event at Shipley Library between 2pm and 4.30pm.

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