Lake set to be drained
A lake at Rugeley Power Station for fishing, sailing and wildlife lessons will be drained and filled with ash, under cost-cutting plans.
International Power, which owns the Rugeley 'B' Power Station, wants to fill in the popular pool in a bid to save more than 15,000 lorry journeys a year.
Bosses are submitting a planning application to Cannock Chase District Council and said the move aimed to secure the long-term future of the station.
But the potential loss of the man-made 'Borrow Pit', at the eastern end of the site, has upset members of Rugeley Power Station Club, who use it for recreational activities.
Children visiting the power station's environment centre also carry out nature activities around the edge of the pool, which is teeming with wildlife.
Residents of Rugeley will get the chance to have their say on the proposal through a series of public exhibitions next week.
They can also learn more about what is happening at the station under a £145 million investment that will see a new 600ft high tower built to release 'clean gases' to cut sulphur dioxide emissions.
The investment will help secure the jobs of the 160-strong workforce for another 25 years.
The station will also report on its environmental education programmes and support for local community projects.
Station manager David Leich said he was keen to keep neighbours informed about what was happening.
"This is an exciting time for the station. We are investing heavily in new technology, of which the new chimney is the most visible element," he said.
"Together with our planning application for ash disposal in our Borrow Pit, this will help secure the long-term economic viability of the station in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way.
"We hope as many people as possible can come along to the exhibitions, meet our team and tell us what they think," added Mr Leich.
A feasibility study into the future of the lake was carried out in January last year.
At the time Peter Knight, chairman of Rugeley Power Station Club, said members were "most disappointed at the prospect of losing the lake".
The public exhibitions take place at Armitage with Handsacre Village Hall on May 10, from 4.30-9.30pm; Brereton and Ravenhill Parish Hall on May 12 from 9.30am-4.30pm; and Rugeley Rose Theatre on May 17 from 4.30-9.30pm.
To find out more about Rugeley Power Station, call 0800 180 4424 or visit www.rugeleypower.com
