A LEADING campaigner against plans for a controversial power station has warned of dire economic consequences if the project is approved.

David Blanchard, 59, of Rowan Way, Rassau, says he has many letters of support from local firms who also oppose the plant, which is proposed by Enron on land at Rassau.

Mr Blanchard - chairman of the sub-committee set up by the Rassau residents and tenants association to fight the scheme - claims hundreds of jobs are at risk.

As reported in the Argus yesterday the plan would see a 1,200 megawatt gas-fired power station being built. Locals have collected a 3,000 signature petition against the plan - but Enron says it would create 145-150 permanent jobs and 1,000 jobs during construction.

But Mr Blanchard said: "I have been contacted by several firms who say that any plans for expansion have been out on hold until an announcement regarding the plant is made.

"Some of these firms are very concerned about the impact of the plant and we could be talking about losing three to four hundred jobs locally."

David Hunter, managing director of Coils UK, which has a workforce of 100, has already said he will take his firm elsewhere should the plant be approved.

Mr Blanchard said: "Enron claim that 150 jobs will be created but of that, only 70 will be full-time jobs.

"On average only 60% of those jobs go locally so we are in no doubt that only 40 jobs will come about.

"In you look at the bigger picture as well, you will see that firms like Tower colliery are under threat because this power station will be in direct competition with Aberthaw power station - which is the colliery's biggest customer."

Enron spokesman Alex Parsons said: "About 70 of the jobs created will be maintenance and service work and although these won't work for the power plant, they will be long-term contracts.

"We have said all along that we are committed to sourcing as many jobs locally as possible and we are working with various organisations to ensure this.

"With regard to the effect on other businesses, we have made contact with every single business on the Rassau industrial estate and the overwhelming feedback has been positive because they are particularly keen on our ability to supply low-cost electricity."

The company first applied to build the power plant three years ago, but the application is only now being discussed by councillors.