JUDITH HILDITCH, of East Portlemouth, Salcombe, writes:

With reference to Mr Pawsey's recent letter, I am surprised he did not include a tidal mill to generate electricity, in his suggestion for a barrage across the estuary. I believe they were included in a barrage built across a French estuary, when I was an architectural student in the 1960's.

With all the hot air about turbines in the South Hams' parishes, has no one applied to redevelop an erstwhile mill on a stream to generate electricity? How about using the Start and Prawle Point tide races for under water tidal turbines and wave power. We have powerful tides on our doorstep and should support this much more effective form of power generation, especially since Plymouth Marine Centre has wave tanks for the development. Perhaps this will redirect the government grants to a more sustainable generative projects.

Mr Pawsey's barrage should allow the existing mudflats to dry at low tide and allow ingress of sea water, to preserve the unique diversity of our ria.