THE Government has withdrawn its backing for windfarms - a month after a Burnley plant was declared the future of green energy.

Energy Secretary Amber Rudd is closing the existing subsidies payment schemes a year early for new onshore wind projects - despite fears that the move will push up energy bills.

In May,eight new turbines were switched on after a £22.5million revamp at Coal Clough Wind Farm, one of the first commercial ventures in the country when it became operational in 1992.

Energy firm ScottishPower Renewables said the plant off The Long Causeway, Cliviger, would power 8,500 homes a year.

Kenny Peberdy, operations managing director, said Coal Clough "was at the forefront of the green energy revolution in the UK".

However, the Tories claim the onshore turbines "often fail to win public support and are unable by themselves to provide the firm capacity that a stable energy system requires."

Andy Sieroslawski, who helps run the Astronomy Centre on the Bacup-Todmorden border, has campaigned against a proliferation of windfarms in the area.

He said: "The Government announcement doesn't help people fighting wind turbines that are already in the planning system, or wind turbines that have been erected that are clearly in the wrong place.

"The wind turbines around us are clearly in the wrong place but as volunteers we have to try and fight against them."

Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower Renewables, is shocked at the move.

He said: "Abrupt changes in long standing policy like this are very disappointing given billions of pounds are being invested offshore as well as onshore wind.

"We should remember that onshore wind is now the lowest cost renewable technology available all year round and the new competitive auction process is driving costs down further for the benefit of customers.”

Environmental campaigners also criticised the Conservatives for attacking the cheapest form of clean energy - threatening thousands of jobs.

Industry body RenewableUK chief executive Maria McCaffery said: "It means this Government is quite prepared to pull the rug from under the feet of investors even when this country desperately needs to clean up the way we generate electricity at the lowest possible cost - which is onshore wind."