GROUNDBREAKING multi-billion pound plans for two sea crossings linking Cumbria and Lancashire are to be unveiled at a special forum in South Lakeland next month.

The proposals for a tidal power gateway and road link across Morecambe Bay and the Duddon Estuary are to be revealed to companies and organisations from both counties at a Tidal Power Business Forum taking place at Kendal Town Hall on June 7.

The £8.5 billion project will create a road link across Morecambe Bay between Heysham in north Lancashire and Furness in south Cumbria, and cross the Duddon Estuary to improve road access to Cumbria’s west coast.

Tidal turbines will generate renewable energy sufficient to power more than two million homes – equivalent to a small nuclear power station – and create a new industry in the North West generating thousands of new jobs.

It is predicted that the creation of the crossings would result in huge transport savings with an estimated 4.5 million annual crossings. Distances would be reduced by 50 per cent, journey times by 75 per cent with fuel savings of 750,000 litres annually.

Those behind the project say it will also bring social benefits in terms of mobility and healthcare across Morecambe Bay, and say it will radically improve recruitment for vital industries in south and west Cumbria.

The project is being driven by the Northern Tidal Power Gateways board headed by Chief Executive Alan Torevell who wants to give business people in Cumbria and Lancashire the latest facts about the exciting initiative.

“There has been a lot of rumour and speculation about the project which has been under way for more than four years, and we are now at a stage where we want to talk directly to local businesses about the opportunities it will create for economic growth and prosperity in the North West," he said.

“We also want to harness their enthusiasm and influence to ensure the project continues to move forward. The North West had played a world-leading role in the nuclear sector and we now have the opportunity to launch a new era of leading the world on tidal power, while at the same time making a major improvement to the infrastructure of Cumbria and North Lancashire.”

The Business Forum will open its doors at 10.30am for tea and coffee, with presentations beginning at 11am in the Assembly Room. The programme will include a question and answer session with the event closing by 1pm.

Any businesses wishing to attend should register their interest by emailing mia@nwe2.co.uk. or claim a free ticket at:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/northern-tidal-power-gateways-business-forum-2019-tickets-61111520202?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete