June 13, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
People power is being called upon to help fight plans for wind farms in Carmarthenshire.
Protesters – who are taking their fight to court to overturn a decision to build 10 turbines near Pencader- are trying to rally support from hundreds of residents.
A group of around 50 residents have formed the Blaengwen Objectors Group but they fear local apathy and lack of knowledge about the applications means fighting development is proving difficult.
Group member Richard Payne said many people were ignorant of the fact a major wind farm development could be built on their door steps.
“I spoke to a man in Pencader recently and he was shocked to learn planning permission had been granted at Blaengwen,” he said.
“I want to make the public aware of what’s going on and fire them up to do something to stop it happening. It’s no good complaining after the event.”
The Blaengwen Objectors Group fear the approval given to build turbines on farmland next to Blaengwen Farm, just north of Alltwalis, will open the floodgates for further applications between Mynydd Llanllwni, Mynydd Pencarreg and the Brechfa Forest.
Mr Payne said anything up to 100 turbines could be built in the area. That part of Carmarthenshire has been earmarked by the Assembly as prime wind farm country.
Mr Payne added: “One voice does nothing – but if everyone has the same voice then that is power.
“As a community we elect those who are in power and as our opinions count we all have to all speak up to make a difference. So many people have forgotten this.”
Fellow protester Kate Neil added: “A lot of people just think it’s not happening- others think that the few campaigners amongst us will do all the work to block developments but we can’t , we need everyone’s help.”
She said the group were lodging a judicial review but needed financial help and volunteers to help with their campaign.
“We need people to help with suggestions and letter writing.”
The group meet at Pencader Pavilion every Thursday at 7.30pm.
13 June 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/06/13/court-bid-to-stop-turbines-plan/