OVER 200 people attended a public meeting about the proposed plans to build a multi-billion pound tidal lagoon in Minehead.

After the announcement that the project would create “thousands of jobs” but cause 1,600 redundancies across the country, the meeting was held to outline the proposal.

The tidal lagoon, if built, will generate an electricity system in Bridgwater Bay, similar to an existing project in Swansea. A video of Swansea’s lagoon was shown at last week’s meeting, which was facilitated by Minehead And the Quantocks Rot- ary.

Stephen Mewes, consultation manager for the Tidal Lagoon Power Company said: “We are eagerly awaiting the consent from the Secretary of State in early June to commence construction over in Swansea and would like to gauge public opinion along the West Somerset Coast for a larger scheme on this side of the Bristol Channel."

The benefits of the project were discussed, including over 100 permanent jobs and protection for new marine ecosystems.

There will also be flooding in the River Parrett and the Lagoon itself would be a base for tourism and sporting events such as triathlons and water sports.

Residents raised issues such as about anglers, migrating fish, the size and location of power lines and electricity sub-stations, the effect on coastal wading birds, traffic increases due to construction and increased tourism.

There was also a financial concern about who would invest and control the lagoon in the future.

Through a show of hands, it appeared the majority of the audience favoured a tidal lagoon, although Steve was keen to stress planning is still in very early stages.