A GROUP opposed to plans to erect turbines above Bacup and Todmorden say many people are unaware they are almost as high as Blackpool tower.

The Friends of the South Pennines have released a diagram illustrating the scale of the turbines that London-based energy developers Coronation Power want to put up in wind farms at Reaps Moss, Britannia, and Todmorden Moor.

An application for a third site at Crook Hill near Littleborough, has also been submitted.

The protest group was formed in February to oppose the three farms.

Spokeswoman Denise McGowan said: "Our main concern is that many residents still don't know what's being planned.

"Out of the people we've been speaking to when out and about, I'd estimate that 90 per cent of them aren't aware of the proposed wind farms, or, more importantly, the impact the massive turbines - approaching the height of Blackpool Tower - will have on their environment.

"At the Reaps Moss site, which is only two miles away from Bacup town centre, the turbines will dominate the skyline and will be visible as far away as Manchester and the Calder Valley.

"Most of the site is on peat land which will be considerably disturbed by foundations for these massive structures and the laying of access roads.

"The heavy rainfall in this area will cause erosion from which the moorland will never recover, and people on spring water may have their supply seriously disrupted or lost altogether.

"Furthermore, a study of noise generated by wind farms had found that they can cause significant health problems for residents living nearby. Furthermore, the presence of wind farms can reduce the value of your home."

For more information, contact Mrs McGowan on e-mail den.kev@hotmail.co.uk.