Labour Councillors on the Development Control Committee decided to back the proposals by Peel Energy, which would involve the construction of at least twenty 125m high wind turbines on the marshes, which are an important wetland area for numerous species of birds. Local campaign group, Residents Against the Wind Farm, has led opposition to the plans and has been supported by numerous political figures, including former Labour MP for Weaver Vale, Mike Hall.
Wind farms, which are subsidised £400million a year in taxpayers& 39; money, have come under considerable criticism for their effectiveness as a provider of energy as most turbines are only operative for around 25% of the time, whilst being a blot on the landscape of beautiful countryside 100% of the time. Indeed, several European countries such as Denmark and Germany are now taking steps to move away from wind power as they have proved ineffective at providing the amount of energy required.
Graham Evans MP has pledged to do all he can to fight the plans and said 'This decision by Halton Labour is completely crazy. They have ignored the wishes of local residents. They have ignored the advice of former local Labour MP, Mike Hall. They have decided to support proposals to destroy a beautiful stretch of Cheshire countryside, which provides a vital habitat for local wildlife and a green lung between two industrial complexes.'
'This decision shows how out of touch Labour really are in Cheshire. Many of the Labour Councillors who took this decision will be up for re-election next year. I strongly encourage all residents to send a strong message and vote out this Labour Council which has lost its way in Runcorn.'
June 2010