Save the Doon public meetings planned

Nov 13 2009 Ayrshire Post (main ed)

THE PUBLIC will have their say on the plan to divert up to 40 per cent of the River Doon away from Ayrshire.

The pressure group set up to fight the plan will hold meetings in Dalmellington and Patna next week in a bid to give the public an insight into the proposal.

The move comes four months after it was revealed that Scottish Power will apply to the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency for permission to divert 17 million gallons of water a day to create extra hydro electric power in the River Dee in Galloway.

Around 28 per cent of the Doon has been sent to the plant every day since it was constructed in the 1930s.

But environmentalists believe that the controversial new proposal will have a major impact on Ayr beach and have serious consequences for the wider community.

The Ayrshire Rivers Trust say that a substantial reduction in the flow of water in the river could see the existing salmon stocks seriously diminished, fresh water mussel beds destroyed, and more pollutants than ever pumped into the sea at Ayr.

They insist that businesses, including fish farms dependant on water from the Doon and a new outdoor activity centre planned for Dalmellington, could also suffer badly as a result of the plan.

However, Scottish Power insist that no decision has been reached.

They say that the project is still at an early stage and more scientific testing will be done before a specific proposal is set out and consultation begins.

The meetings have been organised by the Save the Doon campaign group.

And the first meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 17, at 8pm in Patna Community Centre.

The second will be held in Dalmellington Community Centre the following night, Wednesday, November 18, also at 8pm.

It will include a presentation on the proposal and the impact it could have on the River Doon.

There will also be a question and answer session.

Anyone with an interest in the issue is welcome to attend.

For further information contact Brian Shaw at the Ayrshire Rivers Trust on 01292 525142.