April 28, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
As well as wrangling over the planning process, wind farm supporters and local objectors have accused each other of employing dirty tricks to bolster their respective chances.
Campaigners against Your Energy’s development at Moorsyde were outraged when it emerged that the company was employing a seasoned green activist to drum up support for the scheme.
Richard Claxton’s arrival coincided with the emergence of a small pro-wind group in the Berwick area, with the Yorkshire-based Greenpeace member acting as its campaign consultant.
In a space of days, they managed to amass more than 500 signatures of support for Moorsyde, claiming it proved the “silent majority” wanted a wind farm on the site.
But Moorsyde Action Group dismissed the effort as a stunt, saying there was overwhelming opposition to the scheme.
In a counter-attack, pro-wind supporters accused MAG of bullying tactics and subterfuge, saying the group was intent on silencing local support.
Across at Lowick meanwhile, where nine turbines are planned for Barmoor, anti-wind activists for Save Our Unspoiled Landscape (Soul) complained of sabotage, when their campaign blimp was mysteriously cut free from its mooring.
The group was using the tethered inflatable to show how high the turbines would be.
Airports and military flights across the county were put on alert.
By Robert Brooks
The Journal
28 April 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/04/28/both-sides-claiming-dirty-tricks/