Published Date:
01 February 2010

By Zara Gaspar

News reporter

Residents had their eyes on the skies after a campaign group against a proposed wind farm used a giant balloon to illustrate the potential height of turbines.

At the end of last year, residents in Ringstead, Raunds and The Addingtons formed a new group called Stop Turbines at Ringstead (STAR) to fight against Volkswind UK's proposals to build a new wind farm at Ringstead Grange.

Campaigners feel the proposed development, of five turbines at a height of 125m on a field within 600 metres of housing, would be disastrous for the residents of Ringstead and would have a huge impact on the residents of the surrounding villages.

Last week, they flew a blimp with the words 'No Wind Farm' emblazoned on the side in an attempt to demonstrate the height of the proposed wind turbines and to urge people to oppose the development.

Chairman of STAR, Shaun O'Shea, said: "The aim of the blimp was so people could see for themselves how high the turbine would be.

"It is very hard to give people an idea how imposing they are without showing them.

"The response has been one of sheer amazement. People are stunned when they see the size they would be.

"Our concern is the sheer size and how close they will be. We already have a support base of over 100 people, but there are still quite a lot of people who don't realise what a threat they are. I am hoping we can get the support of all the residents and parish councillors so when the application goes in there will be 100 per cent support in opposing the plans."