September 5, 2006
U.K.

Protester withdraws wind-farm challenge

www.lancashireeveningtelegraph.co.uk

Protesters have withdrawn their legal challenge over the £52million wind farm plan at Scout Moor after branding it a David and Goliath’ battle.

Changes to the law and the risk of massive costs being awarded against the objectors have forced a change of plan.

Solicitor Edward G Smethurst mounted the legal challenge, known as a judicial review, earlier this year to halt the construction of 26 turbines on moorland between Edenfield and Whitworth.

Now a protest walk against the scheme will be led by environmental campaigner David Bellamy this weekend – three years after he first came to support the group.

The ex-TV presenter will lead protesters to the top of Knowl Hill from the Owd Betts pub, which runs close to the proposed windfarm site.

Last year a public inquiry gave the go-ahead for the developers Peel Holdings to erect 26 wind-farm turbines, described by protesters as “26 Blackpool Towers.”

The Friends of Scout and Knowl Moor protest group aims to keep the public aware of the issues involved by their high-profile symbolic walk to mark the third year of the campaign.

Protest leader Ann Metcalfe said: “This September walk led by David Bellamy is an opportunity to share the freedom, openness and splendour which Knowl Hill and the surrounding moors provide.

“When David came previously, we had a tremendous turnout and it helped give our protest a lead and important support.

“It has been a long and hard battle and we want people to know we are still very much involved in highlighting the huge drawbacks and injustice of this unwarranted intrusion into a very public area.”

Mrs Metcalfe added: “I wish on behalf of The Friends to publicly applaud Edward Smethurst for his brave attempt to legally challenge the proposal.

“As was thought at the outset of the campaign, it seems that the present day David can no longer be allowed to defeat Goliath.”

The two-hour protest walk begins at noon on Sunday.

7:00pm today

By Charlotte Bradshaw


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2006/09/05/protester-withdraws-wind-farm-challenge/