Poster campaign in Shropshire anti-turbine protest
Shropshire protesters hoping to block plans for a wind turbine the height of Big Ben have launched a leaflet, poster and window sticker campaign.
People in Newnes, near Ellesmere, want to raise awareness about the proposals for a 75metre (246ft) high turbine and the impact they believe it will have.
The turbine would be 130 metres (426ft) to the blade tip and would be built on land off Ellesmere Road.
James Meacock, 43, and seven neighbours at Newnes Barns have put money into a fund to pay for their campaign.
They have distributed 700 leaflets to houses in Newnes, Tetchill and Ellesmere this week and will now begin asking businesses and homes if they will display an A4 poster in their windows.
Mr Meacock said they are doing the ground work before the plans are submitted, so people know they need to object.
He said: "The main message is we understand the need for green energy and we have some in the area with underground heating and recycled water, but the size of this is completely out of keeping with the landscape.
Plonked
"It is three times the height of the turbine already at Tetchill. It will be plonked in the middle of a field, near a road and will cause distractions to motorists on a road that is already dangerous. We just want to raise awareness, I don't think people understand how big it is going to be.
"We are getting to the point where this area is becoming a wind farm by the back door."
Mr Meacock said he believed the turbine would be the 'most visible aspect of Ellesmere' for people entering the town and living nearby.
The turbine would create 500kW of electricity – enough to power 120 homes and businesses.
The proposals have been put forward by Worcestershire-based Intech Clean Energy UK on behalf of Severn Sisters, a local company.
A planning application is expected to be submitted in four months time when environmental surveys are completed.
About 50 people turned out to discuss the proposals at a public meeting in Ellesmere last month.
"We feel strongly about the area we live in and we don't want it to be ruined," Mr Meacock added. "We want it to stay looking as nice as it does. We might have to put more money in and that is something we are prepared to do."
He said they started the campaign as 'pretty much everybody' he has spoken to does not want the turbine. The residents will go to council meetings and also plan to set up a stand in the town when plans are submitted.
