September 6, 2013
England

Wind farms blamed for TV trouble in West Cumbria

06 September 2013 | www.in-cumbria.com

Villagers living near Maryport are struggling to get TV and radio reception – and they claim wind farms are to blame.

Allerdale council has launched an investigation and pledged to work with the energy companies to resolve the issue.

Residents of Flimby are blaming the Flimby Hall Farm wind farm and turbines at Tallentire Hill for problems that started when both sites became fully operational.

Flimby Wind Energy Ltd, which erected the Flimby Hall turbines, placed a form in the village’s Post Office so people could report any difficulties.

Helen Pape, sub-postmistress, said several people had signed it.

Ann Ostle, of Cabin Villas, said she had issues with the signal, as did her grandson and daughters in nearby Allonby Close.

She said: “I have been told that the TV reception has nothing to do with the wind farms but it seems a coincidence that the problems started when the Flimby wind farm opened.”

She said her Sky TV feed was not affected.

An Allerdale council spokesman said: “The issue is being investigated and it is hoped that the cause will become clear soon.

“Discussions are taking place with the operators of wind farms.”

Flimby Wind Energy Ltd is owned by GDF Suez. A spokesman for the company said: “We are reviewing this matter and investigations are being carried out.

“Feedback will be provided as soon as possible to any residents that have been affected.”

She said the company had given some residents Freesat boxes, a free digital satellite service, which works similarly to Sky.

Meanwhile, Tallentire operator RES said it was not to blame for the interference.

A spokesman said: “The assessments undertaken by RES show that Tallentire wind farm is not causing the problem.

“We have provided our assessments to Allerdale council.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/09/06/wind-farms-blamed-for-tv-trouble-in-west-cumbria/