OBJECTORS to a controversial moorland wind farm have called for a public inquiry in a bid to block plans for a £50million development near Edenfield.

At Tuesday night's residents' meeting at Edenfield Community Centre, protesters gathered in force to oppose the plans. According to United Utilities and Peel Holdings, who are behind plans for 26 turbines on Scout Moor, the farm will provide clean, green electricity without producing harmful emissions, or leaving a legacy of pollution.

Protesters told the meeting they would write to green champion and broadcaster David Bellamy to ask him to make representations on their behalf opposing the plans, which they would then present to Rossendale Borough Council.

An Edenfield resident urged the community to stand against the plans which, he said, would destroy the area's natural beauty. He added: "Once again people are being brow beaten by people who own the land."

Another resident, who has lived in Edenfield all his life, said: "We want to see a public inquiry so that proper representations have to be made. A wind farm is not the way forward and people should know the facts."

Coun Jeff Cheetham, chairman of the meeting, said: "As everybody knows I am against the plans. I do think there should be a public inquiry so that appropriate consultations can be made."

David Bellamy recently led a moorland tour stating facts and statistics against wind farms. He said wind power in Britain, no matter how much wind is out there, will not allow the closure of conventional and nuclear power stations.

So far, Rossendale Council has received 1,100 letters against the wind farm and only 24 in support. Its development control committee is due to make a decision on the plans on Tuesday, December 9.