Dr Kaye Little is so right (August 1) in her warnings about the effect of the extensive removal of thousands of tonnes of earth to build wind turbines.
We are extremely worried in Glyncorrwg. Last Thursday residents were left trapped after a landslide occurred which blocked the only road into the village. This was caused by persistent heavy rain. Not far from the landslide the Spanish based company Gamesa want to build four 603ft (183m) turbines towering above houses and a primary school. In addition, the Cardiff based company Eco2 have a planning application in for four 410ft (124m) turbines on Corrwg Fechan, near to the village, where four landslides occurred in the 1960s.
Can you imagine the threat to the safety of our village if these wind farms are given planning permission? The consequences of the removal of thousands of tonnes of earth, to build huge foundations for these monstrous turbines, in an already known unstable area are extremely frightening. Add to this torrential rain and the results could be disastrous.
Surely there are more suitable sites than those threatened by landslides? In Scotland there is a minimum distance of 2km from turbines to homes while in Wales this is only 500m. This does not give much protection if an accident occurs. These sites are clearly unsuitable and we would urge Gamesa and Eco2 to withdraw their plans. We call on the Welsh Assembly to review Tan8. Areas in need like Glyncorrwg in the Upper Afan Valley should be protected from outside developers who plan to use our hills to make money in spite of the consequences for residents.
BETTE SLATER
Secretary, Glyncorrwg Action Group, Cymmer Road, Glyncorrwg, Port Talbot
8 August 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/08/08/landslide-danger/