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Campaigners fight wind turbines plans to be installed by popular path in Neston, Wirral
Credit: by Linda Foo Guest, Heswall News | www.wirralnews.co.uk Jul 25 2012 ~~
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Translate: FROM English | TO English
Campaigners are fighting plans for two wind turbines close to a stretch of the Wirral Way.
The University of Liverpool has put in an application to install them on land between Cuckoo Lane and Woodfall Lane in Neston.
The Wirral Way, which stretches from West Kirby to Hooton, is used by dog walkers, families, cyclists and horse riders.
There are fears the turbines could scare horses being ridden along the bridle way.
Conservationists warn that the plans will destroy wildlife and disrupt local bird populations.
Protesters have united to form a group to lobby against the move.
John Crone, 66, a retired engineer, from Highfield Road, Neston, said his wife is a horse rider and regularly takes her horse down there.
The dad-of-two said: “I’m against this because of the noise and the height of it.
“And the risk to the people. What if one of the horses bolted. It would be a catastrophe”
The two wind turbines would be as high as 46.4m to the tip of the construction.
Neil Heather, of Ness Conservation Society, estimates the blades could stand 350feet above sea level.
He added: “We have 100 members in the society and we will all be objecting.
“The danger is the blades to the birds, especially as this side of Wirral is a migration route for birds from the Dee estuary.
“We have Canada geese in quite large flocks which come to the area in spring and autumn.
“The turbines have two blades which are known to kill a lot of birds.”
Catherine Renfrey, from Little Neston, has formed a campaign group and is worried the turbines, which will be at the university’s veterinary surgery Leahurst, are so close to houses.
She added: “There are two ancient bridle paths from mediaeval times around the field, the paths are used a lot by horse riders and walkers.
“I’m against the turbines because it is green belt land and shouldn’t be near houses. The nearest house is five minutes away and Woodfall Primary is only seven minutes away.
“They will upset the rich wildlife and the flight path of geese and curlews from the marshes.
“I’m not against wind turbines but they should only be put in the right area with no harm to wildlife or near houses and schools.
“We will fight it.”
The university say they did look at the location and liaised with Cheshire West and Chester Council prior to proceeding with the planning application.
A spokeswoman added: “Sustainability is high on the University of Liverpool’s agenda both within our campus operations and our research.
“The positioning and scale of the proposed wind turbines have been carefully considered and, following consultation with the local authority, we believe they are appropriate for the environment around the Leahurst site.”
Closing date for objections was July 24. Cheshire West and Chester Council is considering the plans.
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