AN MP has welcomed plans for an economic boost on the former Houghton Main colliery site.
Michael Dugher, the MP for Barnsley East, has met with Peel Environmental Ltd, the developers of the proposed Houghton Main Renewable Energy Park.
Peel Environmental Ltd has set out plans to invest £80m in the construction of an anaerobic digestive plant at the former Houghton Main Colliery Site.
The plant is set to provide 200 jobs for the area during its construction and would provide 30 further permanent jobs during its operation.
Anaerobic digestive plants are a form of renewable energy that uses micro-organisms to break down food waste and can then be converted into energy.
The proposed plant would generate enough renewable energy to power up to 55,000 homes, whilst making use of resources that would otherwise have been sent away to landfills.
Mr Dugher said:"It is welcome that these plans will provide a boost to the local economy and generate enough electricity to power around 55,000 homes.
"The proposal will also create nearly 200 construction jobs and an estimated 30 full-time jobs to operate the plant."
