Call for more supportfor green companies

Ms Owen spoke out following a visit to Hastings based Hales Water Turbines.

She said: “Micro hydro companies face considerable delay and bureaucracy to conduct research and operate in UK waterways.

“This is made worse by heavy-handed interpretation of European Union regulations. Most environment agencies in other EU countries have adopted a pragmatic approach with an eye kept firmly on the ultimate goal of a clean, unlimited energy source with the added advantage of providing high quality local employment.

“It’s crucial to Rye’s future that we create sustainable, higher paid jobs in the high tech and renewable industries but they need to be properly supported.”