By Sarah Newstead

Published at 05:14, Friday, 21 August 2009

OBJECTORS to a proposed windfarm near Aspatria pledged to turn out in force at an exhibition about the scheme today.

Making their point: Objectors gather to send a message to would-be windfarm developers BT

Representatives of BT, which is developing plans for four 410ft wind turbines at Threapland Lees, will be at Bothel Village Hall today and at Plumbland Village Hall tomorrow.

Since discovering that BT has submitted an initial report to Allerdale about the plans, originally for six turbines, more than 50 people have joined a residents’ protest group.

Steve Swallow, of the Threapland Turbine Action Group (TTAG), said members would be at the exhibitions asking questions and handing out flyers.

“We aim to ask them whether, given the claims of very recent medical studies done in the US pointing to health damage in children living within 1.5km of turbines, they even care about the children in the local populations.”

Caroline Breeze, spokeswoman for the group, said: “It doesn’t take a genius to work out that something of that size, able to be seen from Scotland, will significantly impact on the environment of all those living close by.

“BT just doesn’t seem to care one iota about what this will do to our lives. These things will be just 500m from where my children play in their garden.”

Campaigners have also pledged to raise up to £10,000 for independent noise surveys to judge the likely impact of the proposed turbines.

BT is commissioning an environmental impact study prior to submitting a planning application expected next month.

Andy Riley, BT’s head of partnership development, said: “This exhibition is an important part of BT liaising with the local community to ensure this project is in keeping with the company’s strong reputation as an environmentally responsible company.”

The exhibition will be at Bothel Village Hall from midday until 8pm and Plumbland Village Hall from 10am until 3pm tomorrow.

Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk