TORY claims that an electricity-generating water turbine project in Saltaire is an expensive folly have provoked a furious backlash.

Conservative group leader, Councillor Simon Cooke, has questioned the spending of £1.2 million on a giant Archimedes' Screw on the River Aire near Salts Mill, saying it is being pursued for ideological rather than practical, environmental reasons.

In response, Councillor Imran Khan, the Labour-run Council's executive member for environment, sport and sustainability, compared Cllr Cooke's stance to a Luddite, resistant to change.

Speaking of his criticisms of the project, Cllr Cooke said: "My colleagues and I are far from persuaded regarding the merits of a scheme which may produce electricity to supply as little as 20 houses for as little as ten years.

"The installation looks likely to be a folly, pursued for ideological rather than practical, environmental reasons.

"We are ill at ease that at a time when the Council is frightening residents with claims that it might not have sufficient funds to maintain essential frontline services, it considers it acceptable and even seems determined to spend a massive amount of money on what is intended, but does not appear to be an environmentally-friendly scheme.

"However, in its determination to push through with the installation, the Council has now spent roughly £100,000 on consultants working on it, despite the budget for it not yet being approved.

"It involves the destruction of mature trees and significant damage to some of the important historical features of Roberts Park, which has been described by the Heritage Lottery Fund, as in the top five of 140 parks where they have funded restoration projects.

"The potential for damage to important historical features for a scheme which may provide so little energy, for such a short period of time should surely rule out this project."

Councillor Imran Khan countered by saying: "As ever the Tories have their facts hopelessly wrong, " he said.

"Cllr Cooke’s views appear resemble those of a narrow-minded backward looking Luddite resistant to change and it would appear to be his own judgement that is clouded by ideology, rather than reason.

"The reality is that if Titus Salt was alive today this is precisely the sort of innovative forward looking long term investment he would approve of.

"The scheme will supply 100 homes with power for up to 40 years and secure £100,000 a year income for at least 20 years.

"There is also a potential power purchase agreement with the NHS at New Mill that would achieve additional public sector savings.

"At a time when Cllr Cooke’s Government is set to hit us with even more punitive and unfair spending cuts it is important that we look to make investments that secure new and innovative income streams that will help to protect services over the long-term.

"In that respect the scheme is a gift that keeps on giving.

Cllr Khan said no features of the park would be damaged and the scheme has the backing of Heritage England.

The three trees affected will be replaced on more than a two to one basis and the project would also increase biodiversity and environmental education.

Councillor Kevin Warnes (Green, Shipley), who also supports the scheme, said: "This project will pay for itself many times over and on the basis of the evidence so far - I'm really happy with it.

"Also consultation with the public showed most people liked the scheme."