Sir – I was saddened by both the contents and attitude shown by the two recent readers who celebrated the sad demise of the proposed hydro scheme on the River Thames.

Those people who supported this admirable project, myself included, were surely responding to the urgent need to provide just a little bit of alternative energy, thus relieving just a few more tons of coal or gas being imported to provide the same amount of electricity.

The loss of trees would have been replaced over the years.

The new hydro scheme would have led to far more residents, especially children, to visit this stretch of our wonderful River Thames, to show them how just the natural environment can provide enough energy, for ever, to light local houses, just by using nature.

If only the authority that controls the River Thames could have responded to the efforts of the local hydro supporters and promote hydro schemes on all of their weirs, this would provide a major contribution to our energy needs.

In many ways, it would not be unreasonable to describe the two readers as 21st-century Luddites.

Coal, gas and oil are all finite. We owe it to those who follow us to live in this green and pleasant land, to do all we can to make the maximum use of the elements that nature has provided us.

I am sure there are many hundreds of readers who share my views, instead of people who gave an almost gloating, negative view on this quite admirable project. Shame on the pair of you for your attitude.

Brian Eastoe
Sutton Wick Lane
Drayton