CAMPAIGNERS fighting against controversial plans for a hydro station on the River Calder have launched a funding page.
Not the Calder are hoping to convince council chiefs to dump proposals by Ashrona Power Systems Ltd (APSL) to construct a dam and pipeline upstream leading to a power station next to Lochwinnoch Cemetery.
The pipe is set to be 4.5km-long and begin just to the south-east of the visitors centre at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park.
READ MORE: Site visit delays decision on controversial plans for River Calder hydro station
Councillors had been set to decide on the plans' fate at Tuesday's meeting of the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, but postponed the decision in order to conduct a site visit.
Campaigners want to protect the 'unspoilt nature' of the River Calder and the surrounding areas.
They are hoping to raise over £300 for legal fees and to raise awareness of their fight to the wider Renfrewshire public.
A spokesperson said: "We are raising funds to help our action group protect our local river and glen from unwanted hydro power development which will compromise the ecology of a much loved area in our village.
"We need funds for environmental legal advice and publishing costs to raise awareness of this cause and the fact that many companies are exploiting communities' reserves purely for their own financial gain.
"If you love our regional park the way it is and want to protect it for future generations, please dig as deep as you can and help save our glen."
More than 350 people have signed a petition calling for the “unspoilt” nature to be protected, with Lochwinnoch Community Council submitting a formal objection.
READ MORE: Controversial Lochwinnoch hydro station to get the go ahead
Lochwinnoch woman Emily Eden, one of the group's members, told The Gazette after Tuesday's decision that the group finally had a 'glimmer of hope' in their fight against the hydro station.
She added: “I had given up and just assumed it was always the people with money who win in these sorts of fights.
“There’s so much wrong with the plans. The hydro station would be built next to a cemetery. Call me old fashioned but I believe you should respect the dead.”
To support the campaign, visit their Gofundme page.
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