Home | The Application | Wind Facts | Pictures | Links | Contact Us | Gamesa |  FAQs |  NEWS

NEWS

www.CARST.info is regularly updated regarding the Midtown Farm (Reagill/Sleagill) proposal)

The SALT (Strategic alliance Against Lakeland Turbines) blog is updated with relevant national and internation al news.

www.FELLS.info WEBSITE IS REGULARLY UPDATED.

As well as the forum on the CARST site, there is a windfarms forum at

wind-farms.org.uk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

April 2009... Public meetings have been held at Sleagill, Reagill and Newby and at each one a vote showed the local people to be overwhelmingly opposed to the plans for a wind farm. PRE Ltd have submitted a scoping report suggesting they want to install up to eleven turbines of 125 metres just a few hundred yards from Sleagill. An opposition group, C.A.R.S.T. is in the process of being formed and now have their own website www.CARST.info .

One Reagill resident has organised her own protest for 5 pm Friday 24th April 2009.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 2009... Sleagill and Reagill areas to the west of Shap (Threaplands, High Murber) are now being targeted. I have been given the names of five farmers working with Pure Renewable Energies to put together a proposal, rumoured to be for 15 turbines "which wil be dropped to 11 or 12 after public consultation." We know this is a common tactic, and it may be just a rumour, but unless PRE or the farmers tell us what is going on, sadly the rumours are likely to be cynical and worst-case scenario. PRE was acquired by North East Construction firm ESH Group in May 2008 and are " currently engaged in developing a portfolio of wind farm opportunities." ESH Group link to PRE with the phrase "Boutique Wind Farms"! C & W Herald story

I have been unable to find any record of wind farms commissioned or constructed by them - although I have found an opposition group.

The Cumbria County Council landscape categorisation for this stretch of the Eden Valley suggests that any application would have to be reduced considerably - and even then would be wildly optimistic. It is quite close to where an application for three turbines (at Hoff) was turned down by the Planning Inspectorate last year. If anyone has any further information, please let me know!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mergers: Commission approves proposed acquisition of Gamesa Energía's wind farm business by Iberdrola Renovables
"The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Gamesa Energia's businesses for the promotion and development of wind farms in continental Europe, UK, Mexico and the Dominican Republic by Iberdrola Renovables, a Spanish energy company. After examining the operation, the Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it." It appears that Gamesa's interest in European windfarms has effectively been signed over to Iberdrola - Gamesa's website no longer show a "Development Office" in the UK.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the news that a wind farm is planned within 1.5 miles of Kirkby Lonsdale town centre between High Biggins and Hutton Roof, we have now been notified of another pending proposal. This is on land known as Sill Field which is 1.5 kilometres east of Gatebeck. It seems that there are several land owners involved. The company involved is Whirlwind Renewables who seem to be allied with Novera Energy - a UK-based company quoted on the AIM stockmarket. The proposal is for 4 turbines of unknown height. The land is basically opposite to the Armistead w/f that we are all currently opposing on the left of the KL-Kendal road travelling towards Kendal and west of Low Audlands. This flood of applications is no doubt stemming from the earmarking of the land from Lambrigg southwards in the Cumbria Wind Energy SPD as 'capable of accommodating a wind farm of up to 'moderate capacity'. It has serious implications and (if unchecked) will mark the end of the rural ambience of the east side of South Lakeland.

IN VIEW OF THIS NEWS, AND AS THERE IS NO NEWS FORTHCOMING FROM GAMESA AND HAS NOT BEEN FOR WELL OVER A YEAR, THE WWW.FELLS.INFO WEBSITE WILL NOW BE THE ONE MOST REGULARLY UPDATED.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Request for assistance... in opposing an application for a wind farm consisting of six 100 metre turbines on open countryside east of Kendal. You can see the plans for Armistead Wind Farm, near Old Hutton, and object to them here. Responses should be in by May 19th. The proposed development will be highly visible from many beauty spots and is right on the boundary of the land currently being considered by Natural England as an extension to the National Park. While not being rugged and spectacular like much of the Lake District, the area is a beautiful, totally unspoiled area of moorland and rolling fell with marvellous views in all directions across Morecambe Bay, the Lakes, the Howgill Fells and the western hills of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOFF MOOR - great news... a small group of local people opposed to three huge turbines faced N-Power and won - Eden District Council Planning Committee accepted the landscape was valuable and needed protecting, in spite of officers recommending approval. The Planning Inspectorate held a public Inquiry and confirmed that EDC were right - the landscape in the area was important and would be spoiled by the wind farm. Read the local news reports.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A lot has appeared in the press about the energy debate over Christmas - much of it confirming that onshore windpower feeding the national grid is not the answer to any of the problems facing the UK. There has also been publicity surrounding the day by day diary of a home-owner devastated by the noise and nuisance from a Gamesa wind farm in Italy. Links to these stories will appear here soon, however the news coverage available from National Wind Watch is updated daily and is second to none.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FELLS - Friends of Eden, Lakeland and Lunesdale Scenery have written to councillors, Members of Parliament and other prominent figures in Cumbria about the threat posed by wind farm developers to the Cumbrian landscape. They have prepared a map showing that Cumbria is under siege.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A planning application for 9 turbines, each over 100 metres high, to the west of Penrith has been submitted to Eden District Council by Berrier Hill Wind Energy - a subsidiary company of West Coast Energy Limited, based in Wales. The intending developers have completely ignored the BWEA good practice guidelines for consultation with the local community. A search in the local paper's letters columns demonstrates the outrage felt at the proposal for an industrial power station to be erected within a few hundred yards of people's homes and the National Park. The more applications put in the more people are doing research for themselves and discovering that the carbon emissions savings claimed by developers are meaningless. They learn that income derived from wind turbines is about one third for energy production and two thirds from "Renewable Energy Certificates" - effectively a subsidy. And most people who do not take the claims of the developers at face value do not see them as a justifiable reason for destroying the natural horizons that many residents and tourists treasure.

From the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald From the Cumberland News

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our MPs response to the ASA ajudication was particularly succinct, David Maclean: "We all knew locally that Gamesa were grossly exaggerating their claims and in some cases were simply lying to the public."

David Maclean's comments in full.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11th July 2007 the Advertising Standards Agency have upheld a complaint about the claims made by Gamesa for future energy production at Shap. Other complaints were resolved informally with Gamesa having to agree not to repeat the false claim that the local council would benefit financially from their proposed "renewable energy park". COST Press Release ASA ajudication

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gamesa have put one of their Welsh proposals on hold. The South Wales Alternative To Turbines (Swatt) group said it had been encouraged by the scrapping of a proposed scheme for 14 turbines near Gilfach Goch in Rhondda Cynon Taf. The planned public enquiry has been cancelled. Full Story

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DONATIONS - Once the planning application is received, our work really begins in earnest, seeking legal advise where necessary to prepare a comprehensive objection. Professional experts will be needed to counter some of the claims made by wind farm companies, and to demonstrate the damage turbines can do to the landscape, local economy and health. We are beginning to amass funds and have a bank account requiring two signatures and overseen by our committee. Should any funds remain at the conclusion of our campaign (the Whinash opposition campaign cost around £75,000) they will be passed to FELLS - Friends of Eden, Lakeland and Lunesdale Scenery. We now have the facility to receive donations online - if you care about our skyline, please contribute if you can!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Advertising Standards Agency have confirmed that they are carrying out a formal investigation into Gamesa, about the information contained within leaflets distributed to households throughout the Shap area. The complaint made to the ASA covers the pictures used in their brochure, their claims for carbon emission "savings" and the suggestion that any increased business rates would benefit the local area.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When Steve Allen of Gamesa wrote to the local paper suggesting anyone opposing wind farms was "stupid", he may have been unprepared for the response... a lead letter under the banner "Melvyn's not stupid, Steve" with a photograph of our patron Melvyn Bragg suggested that intelligent people can see two sides of a debate; and a second queried the integrity of the IPCC report and in particular its summary.

Lord Bragg has said: "We are surrounded by news about climate change at the moment, but it should not be linked to the plans for a windfarm on the edge of a national park. Cumbria is blessed with an internationally important landscape that needs protecting."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You may have noticed that the anemometer mast has been taken down. As far as we know this is just to comply with the original planning consent which was for 24 months, and has nearly expired.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

National Wind Watch calls for minimum 1-mile setbacks

Noise created by commercial-scale wind turbines has become a major concern around the world as wind power development continues to proliferate. Although the industry claims that modern turbines are quieter -- even as they grow ever larger -- complaints are increasing from people who live near new projects. Another report from a GP spells out the health hazards.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why the "No" posters?

It is very important to let others know the strength of feeling against the plans for a windfarm, even at this stage. Politicians - councillors, members of parliaments - are, or should be, influenced by what their local communities think. Our local media will also see the signs. Editorial independence is important for the local news, but it helps them to know what their readers and viewers think.

Finally, the tourists and walkers coming through the village may learn about the proposals and join our campaign - the likelihood is they are here at least partly because of the landscape and horizons.

Download yours here!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GAMESA ENERGY UK... the last we heard was at their exhibitions, where they may have been taken aback by the horrified response to their proposals; they still have not submitted a planning application for Shap... but are doing their best to ruin the Welsh & Scottish landscapes with a number of huge proposals; and between two villages in Nottinghamshire Gamesa want to erect turbines 164 metres high - that's 8 times as high as the Angel of the North.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

News from the American arm of Gamesa...

...The Allegheny Ridge Wind Farm's phase one startup has been put on hold because some of Gamesa's locally made blades are chipping apart. Gamesa officials, who met with Portage and Washington township officials Wednesday for the go-ahead on a second phase, said they found issues with seven blades after realizing two of them splintered on the towers. They had hoped to have the first phase online by the end of the month. "The structure of the blade was intact in most places ... it somehow split open and fell," said Alberto Gros Isla, the plant's manager. One piece stretched the length of the 147-foot-blade, and another was at least 20 feet long.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A talk by engineer Mike Chapman together with a social evening at Shap on 13th April was well attended. Mike spoke with passion and hope about the state of the development of renewable energy. There are such a wide variety of projects out there that will be able to harness the natural energy that it was hard not to be cheered by his optimism, based on his faith in human ingenuity. From giant solar towers in the desserts to micro-renewables and community generation, it was good to hear someone speak from the heart, who really cares about the future of the planet - rather than the doom-mongers trying to sell to us, or win our votes. Several hundred pounds were raised for COST from generous donations and from an excellent raffle! Many were interested in his sources.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COST is now a formally constituted group, delighted to have the patronage of Sir Chris Bonington, Lord Bragg, Eric Robson, David Bellamy and Hugh Lowther, the Earl of Lonsdale. Each have their own reasons for opposing the installation of an industrial windfarm above the village of Shap, on the edge of the Lake District National Park.

Cumberland News News & Star News & Star

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gamesa have now said that their planning application will not be submitted until February.

Cumberland News

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

David MacLean MP has been consistent in his opposition to wind farms in the Eden Valley, and recently laid an early day motion in a bid to stop more wind farms from being installed in Cumbria.

News & Star

Appalled by the magnitude of Gamesa's proposals, and takem aback by the way they minimise their negative impact, David MacLean asks "What planet are wind turbine company on?!"

News & Star

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A lilting ballad mourning the fate of our landscapes, as they are threatened by wind farms has been written and recorded by a Cumbrian artist. The track is available for a £5.00 donation to COST - please email your requests. A copy was recently sent to Terry Wogan after he ridiculed the way turbines up and down the country, despoiling our countryside, had to be turned off as gale force winds rocked the country.

Westmorland Gazette

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COST is now affiliated with National Wind Watch. National Wind Watch^TM is a nonprofit organization that promotes awareness of the negative impacts of industrial wind energy development on our environment, economy, and quality of life. Their web site is an excellent resource, and you can subscribe to their newsletter or their RSS feed. The news stories reported through the site show that more and more applications for wind turbines - and even anemometers - in this country and abroad are failing, as more notice is being taken of the small but persistent voices of those prepared to research the realities behind the wind farm propaganda. With Gamesa likely to submit their planning application at the start of 2007, that is when our work really begins, and fund-raising is vital. Cost is now a formally constituted body, and a number of prominent figures have agreed to be patrons. A press release will be issued in due course.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please email us at shapwind@btinternet.com with any concerns you have as a result of information from Gamesa or their representatives.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gamesa and their exhibitions - November 2006

In the last couple of weeks Gamesa have mailed some residents in the area, having predictably changed their proposals. Their brochure shows the intended location of the turbines - as close as about 600 metres to some homes, in spite of a growing concerns about the impact of turbines on those living nearby (see various links below). Gamesa's photomontages shown in the brochure and at their exhibitions clearly demonstrated the very significant impact the proposed turbines would have on the landscape. They made uncomfortable viewing - the views shown were far worse than many residents believed possible.

Many in the wind energy industry make much of global warming and climate change, in conjunction with the need to cut carbon emissions. As the industry matures, it seems that the anticipated savings in terms of carbon emssions are simply not being made. We believe this negates any possible justification for the undoubted environmental impact that the installation of a wind farm at this location would have.

Gamesa representatives told some people at the exhibitions that the planning application will be submitted before Christmas, but said at a meeting that it will not be submitted until after Christmas.

An exit poll at the Shap exhibition was conducted; 124 were opposed to Gamesa's proposals, 17 were undecided, and 4 were in favour - only one of these was from the Shap area.

Cumberland News Westmorland Gazette

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On 7th October Professor David Bellamy addressed U3A (University of the third Age), and devoted much of his presentation to his opposition to wind farms. He expressed his interest in the work of COST and is keen to be asociated with our campaign. His view is that "if the answer to your question is a wind farm, you're asking the wrong question".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Show your opposition with a poster in your window - download a "NO" poster here

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Since the meeting on 7th September, many people have wanted to write a letter objecting to the plans of Gamesa Energy UK. It is not possible to formally object to Eden District Council yet, as the application has not been made, and will not be made until December. HOWEVER, there is a lot of lobbying to be done! It is important to ensure that our views are known by our elected and unelected representatives. Please talk and write to Parish, District and County Councillors, MPs and members of the North West Regional Assembly and North West Development Agency. If you know any celebrities or VIPs who you think would be interested in supporting COST, please contact them!

In due course relevant names and addresses, will be available on this web site, in the meantime councillors names and contact details can be found on the internet county councillors district councillors

THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO CAME TO THE MEETING...

In the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald, the report of the meeting included a quote from Gamesa director Matt Partridge: "It was useful in response to local concerns. It was set up by the anti-wind farm group and it was not surprising the majority were therefore opposed, but equally at our meeting the majority supported it." No they did not!

1. It had to be set up by COST, Gamesa had already said they would not hold a meeting, and they were invited, but refused to present their plans at this meeting.

2. It was an open meeting, to which everyone was invited, and was widely advertised as such.

3. The meeting he calls "ours" would be the one that he claimed was "public consultation" and Steve Allen, his project manager called a "supporters" meeting.

4. At their "supporters" meeting there were about 25 people in favour, not all local. In spite of Mr Partridge's claim, this was less than those present opposing Gamesa's plans. Another mistake?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

See new links below to the material about health and wind turbines uncovered by one of the speakers at last weeks meeting.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OPEN MEETING, 7th SEPTEMBER 2006

Westmorland Gazette

Thank you to all those who attended the open meeting. We believe there were about 200 people present, of which 95% put their hands up to show their opposition to the Gamesa proposals. It was a well conducted and informative meeting; the Chair has been thanked by people on both sides of the debate for the way the meeting was run.

The meeting had been advertised through a newsletter distributed by volunteers from Bampton and Rosgill to Newby and Morland as well as Crosby Ravensworth and Shap. Posters were also put up, and the Westmorland Gazette and Cumberland and Westmorland Herald also wrote pieces in advance of the meeting. At the infamous Shap Wells meeting in August, Steve Allen, Project Manager for Gamesa had said that they would not hold public meetings, but would just answer questions at the exhibitions they will hold nearer the time planning application is made. He was however invited to speak at our meeting - with ten days notice - and advised what areas the other speakers would be covering. Five days later he apologised, saying that he would been unable to attend. The day before the meeting he rang to say three representatives would be attending, but would not speak other than to answer questions. He was encouraged to take the opportunity to present the proposals, but declined. The content of the scoping report commissioned by Gamesa was therefore covered by Mike Hall. At the meeting Director Matt Partridge apologised for not being as well prepared as they would have been if they had had more notice and information!

The first speaker, Mike Hall from the Renewable Energy Foundation explained the growing gap between demand for power and energy production, and the reason the government is pushing for more renewable energy. His slideshow explained how various figures are reached that are used in relation to windfarms, and why so many are misleading. I will add detail in due course, but the fact is that a sweep of blades 100 metres in diameter, reaching 118 metres in the sky produces very little power, and "saves" negligible carbon emissions. It will require quarrying, tonnes of concrete and steel and placed in rural areas will threaten birds, ruin landscape and dominate communities. Mike demonstrated that the government, from our taxes, would be paying Gamesa nearly £3 million in the first year of operation as part of over £5 million earnings were the proposals to become a reality. Some of Mike's conclusions about Gamesa's proposals:

1.Electricity production is probably overstated

2.CO2 savings are greatly overstated

3.Close to National Parks & AONBs is the wrong place for a wind farm

4.It will utterly dominate Shap and the immediate countryside

5.The moving blades will constantly disturb

6.May well be an ongoing impact on tourism and the local economy

7.The wind farm is unlikely to be removed after 30 yrs, rather it will be repowered

8.Nearby houses may suffer from noise and flicker disturbance

Dave Brierley then spoke of his experiences of living near a windfarm in Askam in Furness. He did not object to the plans originally, but has come to regret this deeply, his quality of life has been so badly affected. He talked about the impact of the noise - heard up to 5 km away on occasion - on the health of members of his community and family, of the nuisance and distress it has caused. Such has been the litigation following the construction of the windfarm, Dave is obliged to read from a script that has been cleared by a barrister. So every word detailing the lies of experts, developers, and "mistakes" made when siting the turbines can be taken as the absolute truth. We wish him well in his continuing battle for justice.

Debbie Walters, a strong supporter of renewable energy, and until recently a supporter of wind farms gave a brief explanation about the research she has done into the potential impact on the health of those living near large turbines: the noise, the infra-sound (vibration), the flicker and glimmer. Stress, sleep deprivation and lower educational achievement appear to be attributable to wind farms too close to peoples homes. It would appear that effects are most keenly felt by the young and the old. She acknowledged that reports suggest that a conversation can be held by a turbine, but pointed out that a conversation can be carried out next to many noises without raising your voice, but you would not want them as enforced background noise: a TV, a car engine or a dripping tap. The following link to some of Debbie's research material. Why it's worse than they tell you Why it's worse at night Wind Turbine Syndrome More from Dr Pierpont

In spite of the expertise available from Mike Hall, and the experience of Dave Brierley - and probably because they had not given a presentation - many of the questions from the floor were aimed towards the Gamesa Energy UK representatives: Matt Partridge, director; Steve Allen, project manager; and Alex Doyle from Pendragon PR.

Some points from the Q & A:

Matt Partridge apologised for not being better prepared, as they had had very little notice of the content of the meeting. (In fact they had ten days - see paragraph two of this section.)

There are always objections to plans, people do not like change.

People objected to a viaduct when it was built - and again when it was to be taken down.

It would be stupid to spend much time working out profitability of the project, before knowing exactly what the plans are (Matt Partridge, in response to Mike Hall's calculations of future profits.)

We should think global not local.

In response to "why Shap?" Steve Allen said there are other wind farms by motorways - one at Reading. At the end of the meeting it was pointed out that there was just a single turbine there, on an industrial estate, nowhere near dwellings. Matt Partridge correctly pointed out that it was 85 m to the hub, not the blade tip.

As for the Shap Wells meeting (see below) no wonder we remain unclear as to its nature or purpose, Matt Partridge claimed credit for the meeting having been part of Gamesa's public consultation , Steve Allen maintained it had been a private meeting...

Alex Doyle confirmed that even if there was 100% objection from the community, the application would go ahead.

There was indication that some residents would be in favour of a small renewables scheme that would benefit Shap.

There was an assertion from Matt Partridge that the photovoltaics (solar panels) were not just an "add-on, so the power station could be called a park", but were an integral part of the plan and a major part of the Gamesa Corporation. While there is a division of Gamesa dedicated to solar power, Steve Allen had previously stated that the panels would be on a control station - a few square yards.

"Ice throw" - Matt Partridge reassured us that the phenomenon of icing up of the blades and then chunks/spears being thrown would not occur in Shap as it was not cold enough. He also said there are safety mechanisms available now to prevent this.

No one has been killed in incidents involving wind turbines, in spite of a number of fires, and falls.

Gamesa will have a trust bond to cover cost of land restoration (not including the concrete bases).

Other windfarms with consent for 25 - 30 years followed by land restoration have in fact been renewed with larger turbines within that time.

Fund Raising

Fundraising began with a raffle - thanks for the donations! Our pot now stands at a grand £90.00 Suggestions for further fund-raising, and donations, urgently required!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

See new photomontages from Shap village

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Thursday 17th September 2006 Gamesa Energy UK hosted a meeting at the Shap Wells Hotel, together with PR company Pendragon, from Manchester.

There was little additional information to come out of the meeting, the meeting was told that:

•Gamesa do not yet know where individual turbines will be placed, but they plan to put a "linear bank of turbines each side of the M6, and in between the carriageways" where they divide
•They also said that the photovoltaics (solar panels) are likely to be just on the roof of the control room, i.e. about five by twelve yards
•Planning Application is likely to be submitted in November or December
•Prior to that exhibitions will be held in the area
•Glossy brochures will be sent to all in the area
COST learned of this meeting through an email addressed to nearly fifty people saying that "The energy company who would be building the wind farm are inviting members of the public, particularly those living in the area to come and discuss their proposals and plans, but want to stress this meeting would not welcome heckling anti wind farm demonstrators!" .

It would appear that in Wales Gamesa have held meetings to which supportive members of the public have been invited, and then quoted the results of a survey suggesting little opposition and lots of support. That was clearly the intention of this meeting, as in spite of the fact that we were told it was a supporters meeting, there were proformas asking whether attendees were supporters or objectors. When asked why, Mr Allen of Gamesa confirmed that the results were for the planning application. In spite of their plans for a supporters meeting, nobody was turned away and all were invited to partake of the excellent buffet laid on for the supporters. Those who were neutral or opposed to the windfarm were thanked for attending and for their good conduct during the meeting by Mr Doyle of Pendragon PR!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Various surveys are going on in the area by people working for or on behalf of Gamesa Energy UK Ltd, you may have seen the equipment in the fields, or passed people looking at the wildlife. We are keeping track of these actions where we can, do please let us know if you have any information.

There may be people asking for views on windfarms, though not necessarily directly. Those involved in this development are driven by profit, so it is in their interests to get good survey results. They are more likely to ask "Do you think the UK should use renewable energy?" than "Do you think 12 turbines 118 metres high should be built in Shap?"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Noise Association (campaigners for action against noise, who have nothing to do with campaigning for or against wind energy) has published a report "Location, location, location" which recommends that turbines should not be sited within a mile of where people live. It goes on to say "... there is a clear and public recognition by the Wind Power Industry, which has tended to dismiss noise as an issue, that wind farms can cause real noise problems for some people."

Noise Association Press Release

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Small Business Council (reporting to the Department of Trade and Industry) have published a report into the impact of the Government's Energy Policy on Small Businesses and the Rural Economy. Their research indicates that 7% of Cumbria's visitors would be deterred from returning by wind turbines, at a cost of £70 million pounds and 1,753 jobs.

Small Business Council Report

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COST has just produced their first newsletter, which will be available around the village over the next few weeks. Please contact us if you are willing to assist in distributing these newsletters!