We asked them if they thought the idea of the £200m tidal barrage scheme, being proposed by the campaign group FREE 2008, was a good one.

The tidal barrage scheme would include:

n The creation of a leisure boat lagoon and marina.

n A road over the River Wyre to Lancaster.

n An energy-producing hydro-electric turbine system.

Here is a cross-section of replies, including an official response on behalf of Wyre Council:

Comments

n “After reading the report and visiting Fleetwood 2008, l have to say that l am in favour of such a scheme. There seems to be huge benefits, namely the prevention of flooding, the generation of hydro-electricity, a better leisure facility and an additional road link which should help with the congestion on the A585.” (Andrew Monks, Mariners Close, Fleetwood).

n “Yes I believe the barrage scheme is worth looking into.” (John Robinson, Fleetwood).

n “I think the scheme deserves serious consideration and hope Wyre Council will not dismiss the idea out of hand. I believe it will be of benefit to all parts of the river and coast.” (FA Connolly, Quayside, Fleetwood).

n “What a splendid idea. I would back it one hundred per cent, it does so many things – produces electricity, a marina and all the jobs that creates. It will also put Knott End on the map.” (Mr and Mrs P Lord, Ascot Road, Thornton).

n “I hate Fleetwood being a peninsula. I really think it creates more difficulties and costs for our businesses. I think the road that the barrage scheme would create and link us to Lancaster would be of huge benefit. And the turbine element would create green, sustainable energy.” (Malcolm Ratcliffe, Bold Street)

n “The barrage scheme should have happened a long time ago (Frank Clarkson, retired trawler skipper, Grange Road).

n “This scheme is certainly not without merit and we will be happy to consider this project in more detail and gather the views of interested parties and Government agencies on its viability as an initiative for the borough.In the first instance I shall pass the plans through to an overview and scrutiny committee for their further consideration.” (Wyre Council Leader Coun Russell Forsyth).

n “I am opposed to the idea of a tidal barrage.

Any such scheme would affect the sites of special scientific interest (SSI) at Arm Hill. This is a beautiful, lonely place with only the sound of the wind and the birds. There are hardly any such places left and this one should be preserved – it is an SSI!

“I also do not want a road from Fleetwood into Over Wyre. I like to live more or less cut-off and I do not want a noisy, unpleasant road across the river.

“From the artists impression it is obvious that a barrage so positioned would not have any effect on flooding of the Wyre Estuary – except to possibly make it worse! (Geoffrey Taylor, Quail Holme Road, Knott End).