NOW that the seven 126-metre wind turbines have been erected and are functioning at Grange Farm, opposite Sutton Bridge power station, residents now understand why FenRATs are fighting the erection of six turbines of the same size on Tydd St Giles Fen.

It seems that many residents thought that, as both Fenland and South Holland District Councils had rejected the application, that the battle against this wind farm was won.

Inevitably Wind Ventures, the developers, have appealed to the Government Inspectorate and the Treading Drain Inquiry will take place at the Boathouse in Wisbech starting on April 23, lasting 9 days until the site visit on May 7.

As reported before, FenRATs, as advised from campaigners in other parts of the country, have engaged the services of a barrister and experts to represent the interests of residents at the inquiry and protect our livelihoods and surroundings.

This comes at a cost of £30,000 plus, part of which has been raised, paid or pledged by FenRATs’ members.

The fact that FenRATs have had to commit to this expenditure demonstrates again that the odds are stacked against residents as they try to protect themselves against this invasion of monstrous and totally inefficient turbines, still heavily subsidised by us as tax-payers and through ever increasing energy prices.

At the pre-inquiry meeting the inspector was surprised at the number of residents who attended to show their opposition to the Treading Drain wind farm.

FenRATs are asking all those who oppose to attend as many days of the inquiry as possible, but particularly on the first day, Tuesday, and the last day, May 3. The inspector has indicated that he is willing to allow residents to speak at the inquiry on May 2 to explain how the proposed wind farm will have a detrimental effect on their way of life and health.

This is our last chance to stop the further desecration of our Fenland landscape and threat to our hitherto more peaceful way of life.

GEOFF SCAPLEHORN

Tydd St Giles Fen

Via e-mail