STROUD MP David Drew has suggested creating a renewable energy park in Berkeley as an alternative to the Severn Barrage, which could have serious consequences for wildlife.

Mr Drew, who is a critic of the Severn Barrage plan, pointed out during a Westminster debate that the site of the old nuclear laboratory in Berkeley could be used to house a raft of environmentally-friendly, sustainable energy sources.

"It is just a brilliant site and location for an energy park," said Mr Drew. "It being near the River Severn and on a site with buildings already there.

"When we had the first analysis about what we could do with the old nuclear power site a few years ago we collectively came up with the idea of an energy park, using new technology such as underground streams and lagoons."

Valerie Watts, mayor of Berkeley, said: "If an energy park was built it would be brilliant for Berkeley, it would create a lot of jobs for the area.

"When the energy park was first discussed in 2004 we asked the people of Berkeley and they were all in favour of it. People here are used to having power plants around them so the energy business is what we are used to here."

According to the Sustainable Development Committee a 10-mile long barrage could produce clean and sustainable energy for the next 120 years by harnessing the power of the tidal waves that come up the Severn Estuary.

However, Mr Drew pointed out during the debate at the Houses of Parliament that the barrage would not be value for money, as figures between £14billion and £23billion have been mentioned.

He also drew attention to the environmental impact it would have on the Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, which is built on natural wetlands created by the River Severn.

Mr Drew said: "We could wipe out the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, I am not saying their would not be some kind of habitat left there but it would certainly not be a natural environment, which is the whole point of the WWT."

Mr Drew added: "It was actually a very useful debate. I wanted to get across the point that I think the barrage is a white elephant.

"We ought to be using the power of Severn in a different way, using technology that does not wipe out environments."

The Government will make a decision on the Severn Barrage project after looking at the feasibility study.