Death-Blow to Gas Plant Claims? RAP has arrived

Death-Blow to Gas Plant Claims? RAP has arrived

A detailed technical presentation by John Oakley, a highly-qualified engineer, has dealt a death-blow to Scottish Power's central claim that their Gas Plant is needed to secure national reserves of gas. Quoting strictly from published figures John showed that the Gas Plant will contribute only a miserable 3.5% to the national reserve of stored gas, a laughably-small compensation for the risk, pollution and environmental threat posed by this massive and untried industrial venture. John was speaking at the 12th July, Cranage Village Hall launch of "RAP" (Residents Against the Plant).

Welcoming the growing band of volunteers, RAP Chairman John Halstead announced that Vale Royal and Congleton Borough Councils have now rejected Scottish Power planning applications and are recommending Cheshire County Council to do likewise. He added: "Thanks for your efforts so far, especially the vital work of writing to Councilors to make sure they know that the entire local community opposes this wretched proposal that threatens our homes and our safety.

Now we must step up our careful, measured opposition, presenting a case backed by facts that will overturn Scottish Power's claims." Later, John Oakley - a champion whom Scottish Power have come to fear - went on to show that the only justification for the huge power of the thundering, jet-engine powered compressors that would cram gas into Scottish Power's underground caverns, is to enable Scottish Power to buy gas at the weekend when it is cheap, and sell it in the week when it is dear, making enormous profit for Scottish Power - profit which is the sole, entire and only reason for the Gas Plant. In closing the RAP meeting, Chairman John Halsted thanked John Oakley and commented: "Everyone should see your deeply-impressive presentation, especially those at Cheshire County Council who have the next decision on the Gas Plant!"