Sir - It was both a disappointment and a relief that the Abingdon Hydro scheme has now been abandoned.

Many people were keen on the idea of generating green energy from a hydro scheme next to the weir in Abingdon as it appeared to tick all the right green boxes. The inclusion of a meandering fish pass, visitor centre and all-round walkway all seemed to be enhance this imaginative scheme.

However, many of these attractive features were deleted in the current scheme for cost-cutting reasons and, as more details of the effect of the development on the local area and wildlife habitats became better defined and understood, I think people’s enthusiasm started to wane. The detrimental effect on Barton Fields being used for construction purposes was of particular concern.

Nevertheless, the members of the Abingdon Hydro should be applauded for the hard work they put in trying to bring the scheme to fruition. In the end, it was the Government’s change in subsidy policy towards renewal energy schemes that marked its death knell and, to some extent, the increasing development costs.

However, as a lasting tribute, it would be a welcome gesture if Abingdon Hydro would now reinstate some of the trees that were cleared by the weir to encourage the return of the wildlife to this area.

Dr Arthur Dawkins
Bostock Road
Abingdon