November 5, 2011
England

Survey shows residents’ opposition to wind farm

www.thewestonmercury.co.uk 4 November 2011

Almost 90 per cent of people are opposed to plans for a wind farm in Rooksbridge, according to a recent survey.

The investigation, conducted by activist group NOPilrow, collected opinions from 624 residents of the areas of East Brent and Rooksbridge.

It asked three questions, if people were in favour, agaisnt or undecided about the wind farm and 89.9 per cent were against.

Nick Woolmington, chairman of NOPilrow, said: “The evidence is overwhelming in that the vast majority of local residents do not want this monstrous intrusion of what is nothing less than a vast industrial complex set in the heart of the green belt Somerset countryside.”

It also revealed 5.8 per cent were undecided on the matter and 4.3 per cent were for the wind farm.

The proposed project is being spearheaded by Broadview Energy but the final number, size and location of the turbines are not yet determined, and environmental and technical studies are ongoing.

Tom Cosgrove, project manager at Broadview Energy, said: “Before we draw conclusions, it’s important to review the questions asked and the nature of the study group.

“For the results to be meaningful the questions should be objective and the respondents need to be a representative cross section of the community.”

Mr Woolmington also said he thinks the overwhelming statistics will not prevent the project from proceeding. He said: “The power of the financial interests proposing this will continue to force this through against the overwhelming wishes of most local people.

“I can only hope that our elected representatives will take note of this and act accordingly.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/11/05/survey-shows-residents-opposition-to-wind-farm/