Turbine plan winds up the neighbours

A FARMER has defended plans to install a 45-foot high wind turbine in Royton.

Philip Day, of Hanging Chadder Farm, faces a backlash from residents who believe the turbine will be a blot on the landscape.

The long-time dairy farmer is hoping to erect the structure to offset rising electricity costs.

Dorothy Simmonds (78), of Grasmere Road, Royton, is totally against the idea.

“It will make the view very unsightly and they are horrible things.

“I have heard that they cause pollution and they can also affect the sale of your property.”

Tony Schofield, (70) who also lives on Grasmere Road, Royton, called the idea “ridiculous”.

“They are unnecessary and they don’t even work — plus they don’t hardly move around.”

Plans are currently in the consultation stage for the turbine.

Tensions have got so high that Mr Day has even received a threat on an local internet forum in recent weeks.

The 55-year-old, who runs the Hanging Chadder Lane-based farm with his brother, said: “I wouldn’t be doing this if I did not think I could save money.

“They are not dangerous, they don’t make noise and we have tried to keep it as close to the buildings as possible in the plans.

“With electricity costs rising we are trying to make a profit on our business and we are trying ways to do that.”