Rossendale windfarm takes shape

10:00pm Friday 18th April 2008

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THE first turbines are up-and-running at a controversial windfarm which is set to transform the Rossendale landscape.

Four turbines are now spinning and undergoing tests on the Scout Moor wind farm and another two should be in action within a week.

Engineers have already erected a total of 15 turbines on the hills above Rossendale with work on the 26 turbine windfarm expected to be completed by July.

When completed, it will be the biggest onshore wind farm in England stretching across two miles of moorland.

Each turbine is 60 metres (200 feet) in height and each of its blades will help generate 65 megawatts of electricity, providing power for 40,000 homes.

Parts of Edenfield had to be closed to traffic as the parts for the turbines were transported up to the moors.

Jamie Mathlin, project manager for McNicholas Construction, said: "We have eleven turbines left to do and are managing to build two a week.

"The ironic thing is that it has been really windy of late with winds reaching 100 miles per hour and if it's really windy we can't do the work."

He added: "Work will be most likely completed by mid to late July."

Councillors who have spoken in opposition the wind farm have said they have mixed feelings about the development.

Coun Darryl Smith said: "We had a residents' meeting recently and the majority of people were quite dispondent about it."

But he said the sight of the turbines, which can be seen from up to 20 miles away, are something residents would have to get used to.

Coun Smith added: "The thing is the moor has been lost for time immemorial, it has gone forever. But they are a permanent fixture and they are quite remarkable."

Coun Anne Cheetham said: "They are on the other side of the Moor and they don't make any noise. But they are there now and I have accepted them. I just hope they provide a return on the investment."

The wind farm was given the go-ahead in 2005 despite oppostion from campaigners who criticised the wind turbine's effectiveness in cutting carbon emissions.

But Peel Wind Power who own the farm say it will cut 160,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power stations.