Let's get this clear, once and for all, there is no such thing as 'clean-burn' coal-fired power stations, only those that belch out less poisonous gases and ash than others.
Ray is right to say new power stations are more efficient, but carbon capture technology is 20 years off, according to the Government.
Even when its developed it will provide a headache, as nuclear power stations do for disposal of the highly toxic waste.
As for storing coal – the problem with dust and leachate from the coal stocks is well-known, as is the problem with fly ash. The power companies all struggle with these challenges to the environment.
The attempts to build another coal-fired power station in Blyth mirrors the Kingsnorth experience.
The coal there, as in Blyth, will all be imported.
Even in Yorkshire, where there are still operating pits, the coal is imported from Europe for the Drax power station – it comes into the country through Blyth.
What price carbon footprints, Ray, when the coal, as RWE plan, comes from China?
So what is the true message behind Ray's letter.
It is please stop wind turbines!
Earlier this month, I and others campaigning against the dumping of 5million tonnes of garbage from across the North East in Seghill, were told by county councillors from Ray's own area and Hexham that we must think of the strategic need for garbage to be dumped in our green belt.
Likewise Ray, you must think of the strategic need for wind farms. All of you in the rural area must think strategically.
Your own councillors, in this Liberal run utopia of a council, are telling you, so it must be right. Musn't it?
Whereas the garbage we are getting from you will poison our air, assail our nasal passages, feed the pests and vermin, creating a 200 foot high mountain of rubbish, what really would wind turbines do to you?
Your blot on the landscape is our blot on our health – which is worse?
We have had turbines on the sea view from Blyth for many years. They are accepted and some even have warmed to them. We illuminate them every year as part of festival of Blyth in a New Light.
So think, as we are told to do, think strategically and you might, just might, find they are not so bad after all – and at the end of the day the sight of wind turbines is far, far more conducive to good health than our strategic garbage!

Coun Bob Watson,
Blyth Valley Borough Council,
Civic Centre,
Renwick Road, Blyth