Wind farm protesters' shows oppose plans

Two public exhibitions have been arranged by campaigners who are opposing plans for a wind farm in Staffordshire to raise awareness of the scheme ahead of a final planning decision next month.

Bleak House Windfarm Action Group have organised two events to give people living near the proposed Cannock Chase wind farm information and advice on how to object to the council. Energy company Harworth Power wants to build three 102 metre tall wind turbines on the former Bleak House opencast mining site.

The turbines will be as close as 700 yards to the nearest home, sparking fears of falling house prices and impact on resident's quality of life.

The action group claims low frequency noise from the turbines can affect people's mental health and sunlight behind the blades can create a strobing effect in homes.

Cannock Chase Council's planning committee is expected to debate the controversial plans next month and the action group are aiming to attract as many people to its exhibitions as possible.

The first is on Sunday at Prospect Village Hall, Williamson Avenue, Rawnsley (1- 4pm).

The second exhibition is at the Scout hut in Ironstone Road, Chase Terrace, on Monday November 3 (7pm -9pm). Keith Faulkner, of Littleworth Road, and an action group member, said: "We are arranging the exhibition because of requests from members of the public.

"People have got the choice of the Sunday event or the Monday event and we are hoping to reach as many people as possible in the areas closest to where the windfarm will be."

In recent weeks the group have also sent out 500 chain mail DVDs which have a 15-minute film showing people living with wind farms in other parts of the country.

Anyone who receives the DVD is asked to watch it and pass it on to their neighbours. The wind turbines will be 331 ft and will be a third taller than the Pye Green BT tower.