Eden Valley Messenger

NOISY WIND TURBINE PROTEST

A LOUDSPEAKER broadcasting the sound of wind turbines in action was used as a protest against a planned development at Reagill near Crosby Ravesnworth.

Businesswoman  and champion cat breeder Jennifer Beasley  fitted the speaker to the roof of her car and drove around the village to alert residents.

She claims the peace and tranquility is threatened following the publication of a scoping report by PRE a company which is part of  the Esh group, over the possible siting of a cluster of up to 11  wind turbines a few hundred yards from the nearest houses.

The turbines would be about 125m tall and  present a much larger visual impact for the Eden Valley than the abandoned Hoff and Shap turbine clusters would have done,  she claims.

Penrith and the Border MP David Maclean  says he is opposed to the project and  will to speak to the community next month.

Jennifer said: “The beautiful local scenery would be seriously marred by the power station and many residents are hopping mad that anybody could even consider the idea. The area is characterized by sweeping views of unspoiled countryside, and communities owe their beautiful views to the restraint of development in neighbouring villages.

“Just the rumour of a turbine cluster can send local real estate values tumbling, at worst properties can become unsaleable. The impact on local tourism could also be very serious. However for Jennifer, there are other unpleasant ramifications. If ewes have been known to miscarry due to turbine stress, then so might her champion breeding cats. Furthermore, who would board their felines in her cattery if  their pets were exposed to turbine-stress? She told an ITV News team that she semi-retired in an area of outstanding natural beauty and  that she wanted Reagill to stay that way. It could be a long campaign.

Details of the plans and the protest can bee seen at www.carst.info