Last week, Russell George MS and I were briefed about initial plans by energy company Vattenfall for the development of a large-scale windfarm at Mynydd Lluest y Graig, south of Llanfair Caereinion, writes Craig Williams MP.

The development would include the erection of 14, 200-meter-high wind turbines, with a consultation period set for this Autumn. This is in addition to an application for a similarly sized windfarm development by EDF Renewables at Garn Fach, south of Newtown, which would feature 17 turbines.

Both Russell and I remain hugely concerned about any such large-scale windfarm development within Montgomeryshire for a number of reasons; not least because there is currently no grid infrastructure capable of collecting and distributing the generated power from these windfarms.

I am therefore seeking an urgent meeting with UK Ministers to clarify the UK Government’s policy position regarding the grid capacity and the Welsh Government’s intent to industrialise our beautiful rural area.

The sheer height of the proposed turbines at both sites is also extremely concerning, which could blight Montgomeryshire’s wonderous landscapes with large turbines and pylons, and potentially damage our growing tourism sector.

Residents have already been unanimous in firmly rejecting any large pylon infrastructure within Montgomeryshire, and myself and Russell remain resolute in our opposition to such developments.

We also last week received the incredibly disappointing news that Barclays will be closing its branches in Newtown and Welshpool in September, resulting in Barclays having no physical footprint within Montgomeryshire.

Barclays’ decision is an enormous blow to both staff and customers alike. I am of the firm belief that over-the-counter services remain vitally important to customers who prefer not to bank online, or who are unable to.

I met with Barclays’ representatives this week to query how they have taken this decision, and to represent disenfranchised customers within Montgomeryshire in ensuring they will continue to receive a personal and tailored service from their bank.

I was pleased they confirmed that no redundancies were being made and staff will be kept on to help form a new “community” bank service, which will be available a couple of days a week in both Welshpool and Newtown.