November 19, 2007
England
England
Several East Lancashire roads are to closed over the next six months to allow windfarm parts to be delivered.
The large parts are being brought to the site of the new windfarm on Scout Moor, near Edenfield, Lancashire.
The 26 turbines are being taken on lorries under police escort along the M62, M60 and M66 before going up Blackburn Road and through Edenfield.
Several roads will close for up to 30 minutes between 1000 and 1400 GMT every Monday to Saturday for six months.
One three-lorry convoy is set to arrive each day from this week.
During this time there will be no-waiting restrictions on Market Street’s eastern side, while the road itself will be closed by police for 20 to 30 minutes as each load is delivered.
Local councillors have been campaigning for details of arrangements to be released for several months.
Councillor Daryl Smith has said the lack of consultation has angered local people.
“As late as Friday of this week we had McNicholas Construction handing out flyers to residents, advising us of a schedule of wind turbine movements, but there was no letter head, no contact name, or anything.
“Nobody seems to want to be accountable and there’s nobody there for villagers to query.”
Traffic fears
Local people had objected to the windfarm, fearing problems with increased traffic, damage to an untouched landscape and the noise of the turbines as their blades turn in the wind.
A statement from Peel Holdings, who is behind the site, said: “This route was considered during the public inquiry and deemed to be appropriate by the Planning Inspector, and subsequently approved by the Secretary of State.
“In addition Nordex the manufacturer of the turbine, who will be responsible for the delivery of the turbines to the site, have been granted the necessary permits by the Highways Agency for the large vehicles.
“No deliveries will be taken outside of this window, and therefore if there are any delays during the journey the convoy will wait at a service station on the motorway network until the next day to make delivery.”
19 November 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/11/19/roads-to-close-for-wind-turbines/