Wind farm backers hold vigil before Hexham hearing

Posted by The Journal on Dec 16, 08 11:35 AM in News

Wind farm supporters are to stage a vigil at a public inquiry this morning in protest at opposition from defence chiefs.

Malcolm Reid, who lives at Riding Mill, has organised the peaceful demonstration for before the resumption of the hearing at Hexham into proposals for 59 turbines near Kirkwhelpington.

The 64-year-old has invited other people concerned by climate change from across Tynedale and Newcastle to wave placards, in a bid to "embarrass" the Ministry of Defence.

The MoD has objected to the three proposed wind farms citing the impact on RAF radars and is to make its closing submissions at Tynedale Council chamber in Hexham this morning.

But Mr Reid, of Ash Tree Cottage, says it has "a complacent and blinkered perception of defence of the nation".

He takes issue with the MoD's view that it cannot see a way of mitigating the effects of the turbines on the radars, arguing it must not have the "talent" it had in the Second World War.

Mr Reid says Germany has 17,000 large wind turbines alongside which Nato operates and is urging the MoD to embrace the Tynedale proposals in a bid to learn how to live with wind farms.

Vattenfall Wind Power Ltd is seeking to erect 20 turbines at Ray Estate, Wind Prospect Developments Ltd 18 structures at Green Rigg Fell, Birtley, and Steadings Wind Farm Ltd 21 at Steadings, Kirkwhelpington.

The inquiry is due to conclude tomorrow.

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