02/07/12…M40 anti-noise group wins competition for ‘green’ solution

AN environment group that has fought against excessive noise from the M40 Motorway, has won support for a clean energy solution to their problem.

The Chilterns Environment Group (M40 CEG)is among seven winners out of over 100 contestants in a national competition sponsored by The Co-operative Group and the Centre for Sustainable Energy, for support with their project to use sound barriers along the motorway that support photo voltaic panels. These will provide an alternative energy source close to customers along the route of the motorway and, through the income the panels generate, provide funding for the sound barriers.

Thame’s MP, John Howell, whose constituency includes a significant stretch of the motorway from Lewknor to Wheatley, including Tetsworth, has congratulated the group.

“He said: “?I have been in regular contact with the Group since I was first elected and was honoured to have been asked to address their last AGM. I have been pleased to be able to help along the way by for example obtaining answers from Ministers to questions posed by the group.

?What has always impressed me with this Group has been its tenacity in pursuing its aim and the imagination it has always shown in coming up with creative solutions like this one. Above all, the Group has always shown exemplary professionalism and competence. This is a Group which really knows its stuff.?

The M40 CEG has campaigned for almost a decade to find solutions to the noise of the M40 and to bring a better quality of life to the communities along it. The aim of the competition was to encourage and support the development of community-owned and clean energy projects and M40 CEG’s win will entitle them to a share of