RESIDENTS in Edgworth have vowed to fight plans to install two wind turbines on the moors above their village.

A couple living on part of Uglow Farm have applied to build the turbines to produce renewable energy.

Up to 100 residents gathered at the Barlow Insititute for a public meeting on the proposals which have been submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Council. And the general opinion was that the 95-metre-high turbines would spoil the landscape, devalue properties and be too noisy.

But Julia and Angus Dootson, who proposed the scheme, said the wind turbines were necessary for the environment and added that local people had been kept informed of the plans.

Mrs Dootson said: ''We understand people have personal views on these turbines. However we want to ask them to look at the wider issues, and global warming is a major fact. We are doing this because we want there to be a planet for our children to grow up on.

"We did consult local people before we submitted the application and received no comments against it. The tide of opinion seems to have turned recently but we are doing it for the right reasons. There's no getting away from the fact that they are big things but they've got to be to work effectively."

Ward councillor Colin Rigby, who instigated the meeting, said: "I am not bothered about wind turbines in general but the problems arise on this occasion with the siting and location at the head of the valley. They will be on land that is 1,200 feet high and the turbines will be 312 feet to the top of the blade so they are going to be seen for five to eight miles around.

"The proximity to people's homes, just 400 metres away, is also worrying. There is also the question of how they will get access to the site down the narrow country lanes."

Resident James Devine, 36, who also lives on a section of Uglow Farm, said he and other residents would send as much information as possible to the council so they can make an informed decision.

He said: "Everyone thinks this will just be phase one and if it gets approval will set a precedent for wind farms everywhere."

Residents will meet again early next month. The matter is expected to go before Blackburn with Darwen planning committee in January.