January 12, 2012
Scotland

Fight to stop wind turbines

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter, www.dumbartonreporter.co.uk 10 January 2012

The winds of change are blowing through the area – but residents are being urged not to get carried away.

On Thursday, campaign group Stop Loch Lomond Wind Turbines is staging a public meeting.

Members are aiming to highlight the role windfarms play and the effects they have on the natural environment.

The evening, which is open to all, will feature talks from several high profile experts and give those attending the chance to have their questions answered.

Lomond Energy is hoping that councillors will back its plans to build 10 turbines which will overlook the Vale at Merkins Farm on Auchenreoch Muir.

Windfarm campaigners are now encouraging as many people from the area as possible to come along to hear the issues.

Elaine Ellen, of Stop Loch Lomond Windfarms, said: “Once they are up it’s too late. Once they are there, they are there.

“We are trying to get the public more aware of the down side of this whole wind turbine renewable energy business. A lot of people think it’s all positive but it’s not.

“This event is not a protest at the Merkins windfarm though, we are just trying to increase public awareness.

“Wind is not a reliable energy source, when you most desperately need it, it might not be there.

“Also at the moment there’s no reliable storage methods for the power generated either.

“If the turbines are removed in 25 years all of their bases will remain. They pour tons and tones of concrete in the ground to support the structures and that’s never taken away.”

Prospective developer Lomond Energy has now submitted its formal planning application for West Dunbartonshire Council is hopeful it will be accepted.

The Wind Turbines: Problem Solved? event takes place tonight Thursday (January 12) at 7.30pm in Kilmaronock Millenium Hall, Gartocharn.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/01/12/fight-to-stop-wind-turbines/