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MEP adds voice to protests against wind farm
Jun 9, 2009
A North East MEP has added his voice to protests against plans to build wind turbines in Teesdale.
Martin Callanan MEP last week visited the site at Bolam, where NPower Renewables intends to construct seven 125-metre turbines.
The Conservative politician joined local protestors and county councillors Barbara Harrison, Richard Bell and Stephen Hugill at the site last Tuesday.
He said the proposed Bolam site is “far too close to the village” and added that wind turbines produce “relatively little power”.
“They have their place to a limited extent but they should not be sited in locations to destroy our beautiful countryside,” said Mr Callanan.
“If we are going to have turbines, they should be off-shore.”
Two further schemes in Teesdale could see up to 13 turbines constructed on land between Woodland and Hamsterley Forest.
Mr Callanan expressed concern at the number of turbines being erected on land in County Durham and across the North East.
From Bolam, Mr Callanan went on to Barnard Castle to see the play area at Marwood Drive, for which he had helped secure European funding.
The £76,000 Ground Works In Durham project, completed last August, was also funded by the town council and the county council.
Cllr Richard Bell, who joined the MEP at Marwood Drive, said: “This is a great example of partnership working, and it is a facility that
the residents here are very pleased with.”
The MEP then visited the site of a new play area planned for land off Dawson Road in the town.
Oliver Graham, from Groundworks, said £50,000 still needed to be raised to fund the project.
So far, funding from the town and county councils and from Sure Start has raised £85,000.