August 4, 2013
England

Wind farm convoy gets the thumbs down in Denholm as concerns rise

Hawick News | 04 August 2013 | www.hawick-news.co.uk

Denholm residents have reacted angrily to news that 35 convoys of large wind farm components will travel through the village.

The information was revealed at a public meeting in the village hall held by the company developing Langhope Rig Wind Farm, where around 40 locals were shocked to learn that huge blades and equipment will be escorted through Denholm and Hawick next year.

And with deliveries bound for the site beyond Roberton, due to be travelling at five to ten miles-per-hour, concerns over congestion have been raised.

Anna Dickson, a member of the Minto Hills Conservation Group, said: “People were upset that this was almost the first we’d heard about it, and extremely concerned it has been kind of inflicted upon them.”

Initial reports that the war memorial would have to be moved to allow for the traffic were quashed at the meeting, but Mrs Dickson added: “There is still a lot of concern this is going to make it very difficult for people to get in and out of Hawick.”

SSE Renewables have confirmed that a total of up to 35 convoys will be required to travel through Hawick and Denholm over a three month period next summer, with a trial run planned for this autumn.

But a spokesperson told the Hawick News this week: “It is our key priority to minimise disruption to local businesses, road users and residents during the trial run and delivery process, and we will continue to work closely with those impacted by the delivery route to ensure concerns are addressed.”

Commenting on the convoy of 40.2 metre long blades, Gwen Crew, chairperson of Denholm Community Council, added: “We should have been told about this when the application was submitted.

People have to be made aware of this, as it will have quite an effect on local traffic. We are awaiting further information.”

n The next meeting of Hawick Community Council, on April 12 at 7pm in the town hall, will include a presentation from SSE Renewables and a chance for members of the public to raise concerns.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/08/04/wind-farm-convoy-gets-the-thumbs-down-in-denholm-as-concerns-rise/