WIND farm bosses have erected a three-mile fence blocking access to moorland.

The decision to build a fence on Oswaldtwistle Moor, between Hyndburn and Rossendale, has caused anger among those who say the open land surrounding the town should be freely accessible.

One local walker, Chris Whalen, said he was even told to ‘keep off the moor’ by bosses at Energiekontor after he complained about building work affecting the moorland.

Mr Whalen said: “There are many traditional paths which the fence has blocked off which people are used to using to explore the moor.

“Now this fence has gone up, if a walker were to come across this fence, it’s a three-mile walk to get around it.

“I can’t really see the reason for this fence stretching so far out.

”I was even told by Energiekontor that I should stay off the moor. I don’t mind staying away from certain areas if they are working, but there was no mention of the moor being closed when they asked for planning permission.”

The wire fence, which is near the Oswaldtwistle/ Haslingden boundary is too unstable to climb over, and only has a stile at one central point.

Local councillor Peter Britcliffe said he shared Mr Whalen’s concerns, having seen changes being made to the site during building work.

He said: “It’s open land that should be enjoyed by everybody, and there is no sense in fencing off such a large area. It’s also heart-breaking when you go up there and you see the digging that has been done, and the devastation done to the moor in the name of the environment.”

Lancashire County Council said it will be investigating the access concerns.

Nick Osborne, from the county council’s countryside service, said: “I can confirm that Natural England have reported this matter to us.

“The ranger will be visiting the site tomorrow, and we will assess what can be done when we receive his report.”