I WAS saddened by both the contents and attitude shown by 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 local residents, especially children, visiting this stretch of our wonderful river showing how the natural environment and water going over a weir can provide enough energy forever to power local houses.

In many ways, it would not be unreasonable to describe detractors as 21st century Luddites. Coal, gas and oil are all finite.

We owe it to those who 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 with.

I am sure that there are many hundreds of readers who share my views.

BRIAN EASTOE
Sutton Wick Lane, Drayton