A protest group that is fighting a proposed wind farm development near Burnham-On-Sea has appealed for help in raising £1,500 towards the costs of a huge air blimp that will be flown 400ft above the site.
The Huntspill Wind Farm Action Group, which has long campaigned against Ecotricity’s bid to build four 120m wind turbines at Black Ditch in West Huntspill, hopes that its blimp will draw attention to the height of the proposed constructions.
Weather permitting, the blimp with the word ‘no’ on the side will be flown over Emerald Pool Fisheries from Thursday 21st February for seven days during a public inquiry being held by the Planning Inspectorate into Sedgemoor District Council’s decision to reject the wind farm scheme last April.
“In flying the blimp we can emphasise the towering height these industrial-sized wind turbines will be, dominating homes in close proximity and the local landscape for miles around due to the flat character of the Somerset Levels,” campaigner Julie Trott told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
She added: “The cost of the blimp is approximately £2,700 but we can at the moment only cover around £800 from existing funds and are therefore looking to raise around £1,500 from donations. We are appealing for donations to help towards funding the blimp and any help from our many supporters will be much appreciated. Details of contacts can be found on our website here.”
As first reported here, the public inquiry will be held in Burnham’s Princess Theatre between February 19th-22nd and on 7th March at Bridgwater Town Hall.
Julie added: “I would stress the importance of people attending the public inquiry. It will not be necessary to stay all day but a good attendance is essential. ‘Bottoms on seats’ for the days of the inquiry will make a difference and we urge our many supporters to attend whenever possible.”
Ecotricity believes it has a solid case to overturn the council’s decision to reject the scheme, pointing to an agreement on ecological impact measures with the RSPB and Natural England.
