A LEADING conservation group has called for the UK Government to "establish the facts and show us the evidence" in regard to the proposed Severn Barrage.

WWF(World Wildlife Fund) Cymru were reacting to the news that David Cameron met with the former Welsh Secretary, Peter Hain, to discuss the proposed £30 billion project, which supporters say could generate up to five per cent of Britain’s electricity needs, and create 20,000 construction jobs.

Alun James, policy officer at WWF Cymru, said: "Our message to Government and the developers is clear - establish the facts and show us the evidence.

"We're pleased the Government is looking at renewable energy projects as an alternative to new fossil or nuclear power stations, but in the case of the Severn barrage, we want to see a lot more research carried out. For example the knowledge on fish movements in the Estuary is still inadequate."

"If Severn tidal energy is to play its part, much more research is needed on the environmental impacts as well as on the different ways in which the power of the Severn could be harnessed."