A GOLDEN opportunity or a pie-in-the-sky pipe dream?

An environmental silver bullet to harness natural power which would finally solve the daily A590 drag race.

Or is it eco-wrecking vandalism which some would see as amounting to concreting over the nests of migratory birds?

That’s really the fault line that appeared this week between the two front-runners in the race to become Barrow’s next MP.

But irrespective of which way the polls go next week, neither man would have the ultimate say in the decision.

Don’t think for one minute that the support of Simon Fell makes the bridge a reality, or that Chris Altree’s reluctance means it will be mothballed for another decade.

The concept will either progress or be shelved some time in the future at a level far above the local MP’s pay grade.

The backing of the local MP would help wheels turn a little faster but if he was not onboard, it does not harpoon the scheme.

Feasibility and cost will be the ultimate decider and then, probably, a public inquiry.

Barrow’s position as home to one of the largest off-shore wind farms, could help make a clear renewable energy case.

Or is damaging our environment to help the national one a price too high?