Anti-windfarm alliance wins support

A national alliance of more than 30 local action groups against windfarm development in the countryside has been welcomed by groups in Norfolk. The new group - to be known as the National Alliance of Wind Farm Action Groups (NAWAG) - brings together community organisations from England, Scotland and Wales who are fighting to raise the profile of the issue.

A national alliance of more than 30 local action groups against windfarm development in the countryside has been welcomed by groups in Norfolk.

The new group - to be known as the National Alliance of Wind Farm Action Groups (NAWAG) - brings together community organisations from England, Scotland and Wales who are fighting to raise the profile of the issue.

Launch members will recruit as many as possible of the estimated 200-plus action groups in existence across Britain, to create a powerful voice against wind turbines.

Michael Windridge, South Norfolk councillor for Hempnall, has been leading the Stop Hempnall's Onshore Wind Turbines (Showt) campaign against Enertrag's bid to develop a seven-turbine site near the village.

He said: 'Those of us fighting inappropriately sited onshore wind turbine proposals and their threat to the Norfolk landscape welcome with open arms the launching of this national campaign.

'The gold rush to wind represents a scandalous scam against the British taxpayer. Wind turbines are built from huge government subsidies hidden in our domestic electricity bills.

'Because of their intermittent nature, wind turbines can't generate enough energy to reduce global CO2 levels to any significant degree. As they cannot generate a steady output, coal and gas power stations will always be needed to provide the necessary back-up.'