Wind farm delay eases local traffic changes

2:38pm Thursday 21st February 2008

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TRAFFIC restrictions imposed because of the Scout Moor wind farm development have been scaled down following requests from residents and a local councillor.

Waiting restrictions were introduced in Market Street, Edenfield, in November when convoys of turbine components began travelling through the village. Many residents believed they were excessive.

Construction firm McNicholas has now reached an agreement with police and Lancashire County Council to reduce the area affected by about 300 metres by allowing waiting at some wider sections of Market Street.

Restrictions remain in place Monday-Saturday, from 10am until 2pm, at narrower parts of the road.

Councillor Darryl Smith said: "This is excellent news for local residents and businesses. I have stated all along that the original waiting restrictions were over the top and it has proved to be the case.

"Working with my fellow Councillor Anne Cheetham and Edenfield Residents' Association, who helped me lobby Lancashire Country Council for the change, we have been able to reduce the total length of the waiting restrictions by more than 300 metres.

"Many more residents will no longer have to play musical cars' every day, moving their vehicles when very often there has been no convoy at all."

Work on the Scout Moor wind farm has been delayed over the past two months because of strong winds on the site.

Waiting restrictions in Edenfield were initially due to remain in place until the end of March but they have been put back because the scheduled completion date is now June 4.

The development has also suffered a spate of thefts, with offenders making off with copper, steel and aluminium despite full-time security measures employed at the site.