MORE than 80 people attended 'information days' to learn more about the Houghton Main Energy Park.

The park, proposed on the old Houghton Main Colliery site, would generate enough energy to power up to 55,000 homes.

On the site there would be an anaerobic digestion facility where organic waste that otherwise would go to landfill could be broken down in sealed tanks to produce heat and electricity.

The other development on the site would be a timber recovery centre, to process wood and paper left after recycling.

Jane Gaston, development manager at Peel Environmental, said: "It is important for us to speak to local residents, inform them about our project and listen to what they have to say.

"We were pleased with the turnout at the information days and it gave us a good idea of the aspects of the development that people are interested in.

"Our project would represent an £80 million investment in Barnsley and create around 230 news jobs during construction and operation.

"Some of those who came to the events were keen to see such opportunities delivered, whilst others showed a real enthusiasm for renewable energy methods.

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"Development proposals can prompt questions or concerns, which is understandable, but we worked hard to address these during the events and will continue to do so as we progress with the application."