IT would seem that in responding to criticism for not putting solar panels on the roof of the new development in Dalton Square, council officers have shown a serious lack of knowledge about the subject

In dismissing the idea as not being cost-effective in the Citizen last week, they give the impression that they had looked into the matter in some detail.

But the fact that they have clearly confused solar panels for direct water heating with solar photo-voltaic panels for generating electricity shows that they have not given the matter serious consideration at all.

We cannot afford to make short-term so called 'cost-effective' decisions when it comes to making major investment in buildings. In the not too distant future the combination of rising energy prices and the effects of climate change will make such decisions seem incredibly short sighted.

The Government has set targets for reducing CO2 emissions that we will stand no chance of meeting unless we seize opportunities to invest in renewable energy when we can.

Cllr Chris Coates, Green Party.