MORE than 250 people attended a public meeting to discuss controversial wind turbine proposals for Wilpshire.

The meeting was arranged by residents living close to Carr Hall Home and Garden Centre, in Whalley Road, in protest to its plans for three 46-metre turbines.

The meeting was held at the Langho and Billington Community Centre, in Whalley Road, and residents and councillors spoke of their objections.

Veronica Hargreaves, who is spearheading the 'no' campaign, said she believed the turbines would have a negative impact on local businesses and the surrounding environment.

She said: "I am a keen walker and a member of the Ramblers' organisation and there are footpaths running right past the turbines.

"They will certainly deter me and other walkers from other areas coming into the Ribble Valley to walk and we all know they bring a lot of money into the economy."

Wilpshire parish councillor David Briffet said he was opposed to the turbines because of the effect they would have on the environment and wildlife.

He said: "There are brown hares in the area and they are a protected species.

"I don't think they will take too well to the turbines.

"There is a definite environmental issue that has to be overcome."

He said he thought it would also put people off from playing at Wilpshire Golf Course because of noise pollution and added that he hoped residents would make representations to Ribble Valley Council.

According to the application, if the turbines, which would almost be the height of five double-decker buses, are given the go-ahead, some of the energy they produce would be used onsite to offset grid electricity.

The rest would be exported to the National Grid.

The application was submitted to Ribble Valley Council by Carr Hall Home and Garden Centre manager Andrew Donelan, who did not attend the meeting.