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Scrap Spondon wind turbines says furious MP Pauline Latham
Credit: By ISAAC CROWSON | Derby Telegraph | July 04, 2016 | www.derbytelegraph.co.uk ~~
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Translate: FROM English | TO English
Derby’s wind turbines are still not working despite Severn Trent issuing 16 statements over the past two-and-a-half-years about making progress with them.
The two structures were installed in December 2013 but have never produced energy regularly.
Mid Derbyshire MP Pauline Latham has now called for the firm to pull down the two 180-metre structures and sell them for scrap.
The turbines have not operated regularly because it was revealed they appear on air traffic control equipment at East Midlands Airport, Castle Donington.
Back in December 2014 the Derby Telegraph was shown documents revealing that the energy company said the turbines, in Megaloughton Lane, Spondon, could still work.
But still they sit idle. This is despite Severn Trent issuing a press release boasting about installing “the world’s first” holographic radar system to fix the problem. This allows air traffic controllers to easily distinguish between turbines and aircraft flying above them.
Mrs Latham said: “It was a very long time ago when they said this technology was going to sort it all out.
“It would have cost a huge amount of money to get them up there, pay for the radar system and to not have them working. That is being paid for by rates from the taxpayer, including me. It’s a complete waste of money.
“I would like to see them scrapped and go for scrap metal because what are they? They’re just a complete white elephant.
“The situation is appalling and a lot of nonsense. What is the point of them?”
Mrs Latham said it was “crazy” that the firm had issued so many updates stating that they would soon be working.
She said those in charge at Severn Trent “need to look at themselves”, adding: “It’s time for Severn Trent to make some tough decisions.
“Somebody is culpable for the fact that the situation is ongoing. They have to work or they have to go. Lets get them down and move on.”
Ray Mellor, of Spondon, said he supported the idea to scrap them.
He said: “I don’t think they will ever work. They should just take them down – there’s no point having them up there.
“If it was a local and small company which had done this, they would be in really big trouble and could face serious consequences.”
The Derby Telegraph has repeatedly asked Severn Trent for an update about the radar system and when it is likely to be switched on.
However, the company has refused to respond, instead giving us updates about a slight fall in water bills and reductions in complaints.
A spokesman did say: “We’re continuing our work with East Midlands Airport and Aveillant to turn on the holographic radar system in a very busy international airport.
“This radar system is the first of its kind in the world and safety is our first priority.”
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