BAD weather did not stop demonstrators braving strong winds to show the height of one of the 15 wind turbines being investigated for the Chilla Valley Moor area.
Chilla Against Turbines Committee (CAT) set up the demonstration to show residents and farmers of the surrounding area the exact height of the turbines on a site being investigated by Scottish Power.
A change in weather conditions meant the blimp, which was to fly 410ft, was filled with air instead of helium at Windrift Farm in Black Torrington last Saturday.
Around 150 people came to register their protest and witness the demonstration.
MP for West Devon and Torridge Geoffrey Cox, who has been kept frequently updated over the months since the investigation for 15 wind turbines was made public, attended the demonstration to show his support in the campaign against them.
He said: 'I have consistently argued that giant commercial wind turbines cannot be a significant part of a coherent national answer to climate change.
'This Government has irresponsibly failed to take critical and timely decisions about Britain's energy needs, and is embarked on a headlong rush to meet targets — no matter the consequences to areas such as ours.
'Now, under the new Planning Act 2008, the Government is busy making plans to bypass local democracy and planning laws to force communities to pay the price of its failures of policy over the last twelve years.'
In a separate move, the MP has this week tabled urgent parliamentary questions to Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Hazel Blears.
Mr Cox had demanded information as to how many times her department has called in applications for giant commercial wind turbines on the new grounds, which were introduced only last year.
Web developer for CAT David Bowen said: 'The idea of the day was to show people just how high these proposed turbines will be if they go ahead.
'It was really wet and windy so it meant that we could not fly the blimp.
'Even so, everyone rallied around to support the cause, which was great and we had a good turnout on the day.
'The reality is that if Scottish Power decide the site is viable they can move forward with the developments as fast as they like.
'We are in a highly unusual position because we have found out about the possible development well in advance and we have always tried to stay one step ahead of Scottish Power, so that we can inform people what is going on.
'The fact is this is an industrial development in a rural area, so it is bound to put people off.
'The way the turbines are positioned, they straddle the whole of the Ruby Way, which will be difficult if the Ruby Country initiative wants to continue to support local businesses and promote sustainable tourism.
'There are many horse riders, walkers and cyclists who come out to the area. Who will want to enjoy the views and tranquility with these turbines in the way?
'The turbines will be a risk to local businesses, no-one will want to stay in an industrial environment.
'If the area is trying to encourage tourism, why is Scottish Power being allowed to investigate the site for a possible industrial development?'
A spokesperson for Scottish Power said: 'There is no update whatsoever on the development.
'There has been no movement on our part as we are still undergoing feasibility studies.'
CAT plans to hold another demonstration when the weather improves.