Shropshire Star

Engineers investigate after wind turbine ripped apart

A windfarm in Mid Wales has been temporarily closed while engineers investigate damage to one of its wind turbines.

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A windfarm in Mid Wales has been temporarily closed while engineers investigate damage to one of its wind turbines.

Operators Scottish Power Renewables said the Llandinam Windfarm, between Llanidloes and Newtown, had been taken offline while engineers looked into how the turbine was damaged in December.

The energy firm today said it would not speculate on how the turbine was damaged until the conclusion of its investigation.

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Members of Stop, a Mid Wales-based anti-windfarm group, said walkers found the damaged turbine last month after residents heard a loud bang during strong winds.

Michelle Lloyd, of the group, said: "There have been stories in the press regarding turbines damaged in high winds elsewhere, but I have seen photos from a man called Mike Brennan from Mochdre, near Newtown, who regularly walks near Scottish Power's Llandinam Windfarm.

"Scottish Power have now removed all evidence of the incident and seem unwilling to talk to concerned public members about it.

"Apparently some Dolfor residents reported hearing a big bang over Christmas, which one could wonder – was it the noise of the turbine exploding or hitting the ground?

"Walking tracks meander through this windfarm.

"It goes without saying that this distance should be greater and that turbines should be nowhere near public footpaths.

"Their publicity shots, used in their recent brochures showing how lovely it is to cycle and walk amongst turbines, need to be re-thought, as you could be killed."

A Scottish Power Renewables spokesman: "Work is currently under way at Llandinam Windfarm to investigate damage to a wind turbine that occurred in early December.

"The site is currently offline while investigations are completed, with turbines expected to return to service shortly."

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