WE, the closest neighbours to Beech Farm, Lamerton, and perhaps the most important people involved in the wind turbine farm project, are deeply concerned with the misinformation to the public about the distance of the proposed wind turbines to the nearest properties, excluding Mr and Mrs Robert Bradford as the proposers.

According to the proposer's plans — which can be inspected by all at the West Devon Borough Council offices, planning department, Tavistock — the turbines are about 425 metres or a quarter of a mile from this community and not as reported half a mile or 804 metres. That is 100% error. This makes all the difference.

This information implies that the occupiers of these properties do not exist, do not have an opinion and do not have to be considered at all, even though they, so to speak, almost have the proposed wind turbines in their back yard!

We, like most of the population, are for green issues, however in their right place, where no harm to people's health, no noise pollution and no visual pollution can occur. Ignore these three points and the green issues lose their credibility.

We wonder whether people supporting this particular project would like to live this close to the turbines or would their attitude change if they were in the so-call backyard situation?

S Wingett

N Manning

T and H Delaney

HOW brilliant the Bradfords have enough courage to start a much needed renewable energy scheme.

The Bradfords came to visit us with their leaflet, which clearly gives the height of the turbines.

Remember last week with those frightening thunderstorms and the house struck in Tavistock, all due to global warming! I remember as a child, you only ever saw sheet lightning.

West Devon, take the lead and pass this application for all our sakes; if nothing is done our beautiful Devon will be so different.

For those who think the turbines are ugly, don't worry, as they will disappear into the fog if nothing is done about global warming!

I would like to say thank you to the Bradfords for having the courage to put the application in on behalf of the planet, my asthmatic children and myself.

Mrs M Simmonds

Cuckoo Barton

THE Government dictates that we must have more housing in Tavistock, no thought given to power, drains, schools, hospitals etc. Much as we would like to think we have a say on the housing we have none.

The two turbines are a local issue and we do have a say.

I do not want to live in an environmental museum relying on fossil fuel for electrical power.

Unfortunately, I lived in London during the 1960s in the days of smog. Smokeless fuel was brought in and smogs are gone.

Today, global warming is the issue. Let's address it, don't be an ostrich and ignore it. Two wind turbines are a step in the right direction. Let's not fall by the wayside.

Mrs Stanbury

Glendale

Blackdown

Brentor

I AM writing to you after reading the article 'Controversy blows over wind turbines'.

As an affected resident of the area, I would have a clear view of the turbines and a 24-hour sound accompaniment.

The article, although expressing Mr Young's views, did not read as a balanced piece of journalism. It had the air of a party political broadcast on behalf of the Bradfords.

The article reads: 'We spoke to all our neighbours before we went for planning.' I have spoken to several people, none of whom knew anything about the application until the letter from West Devon Borough Council dropped through the letter-box. I have yet to speak to anyone locally who is in favour of the project.

Mr Quinn, West Devon Green Party, might have different views if it was his own personal landscape which was being blighted. Unnecessarily blighted. There are current proposals to site wind turbines offshore which would obviously be a much more viable proposal.

The primary concern for myself, and others to whom I've spoken, is that the Beech Farm turbines would be the start of an avalanche of other people requesting permission to construct turbines on their land. Visit the site on Bodmin Moor — that started with planning permission for just two and now there are well over 30.

Do we really want our beautiful landscape disfigured in this way?

Wendy Spicer

IN RELATION to the local farmer who has applied to have two electricity generating windmills (hardly a power station) erected on his land, how about a touch of YIMBY (Yes, In My Back Yard) and a little less NIMBY when thinking about a future for ourselves and local farming families.

Unlike many businesses, local farmers suffered terribly during the foot and mouth crises and I would like to acknowledge the hard work and determination of this typical family, while applauding an intelligent and responsible solution to their recent difficult times.

Good luck in their effort to guard the quality of life for our grandchildren.

I was impressed by the balanced quality of the piece in last week's Times relating to this matter. Keep up the good work.

Out of curiosity I drove through the area last week and noticed a very large transmitting mast in an obvious and central location. I wondered how that got there and asked myself how it benefited the future.

J Hammond

Address supplied

I WAS interested in your report on the Lamerton turbines but feel that some of the inaccuracies need highlighting.

I live half a mile from the proposed site and the Bradfords have never been near here to explain things.

This development cannot be considered as an agricultural diversification. It is a straightforward subsidised industrialisation of a very beautiful valley. The green tears are pure cant.

Mr Quinn's view is somewhat myopic. Should we really be expected to subsidise everyone with a few acres that are no longer viable units, and put wind turbines upon them? Will he suggest subsidising every small corner store because they cannot compete with the supermarkets? That could be a vote winner.

Farmers whose animals were culled as a result of foot and mouth received very generous compensation, well above market value of the stock. Wind farms attract generous subsidy. Farming subsidies must be easier than farming livestock. You and I will pay.

This is a very serious issue and everyone who cares about our beautiful countryside should be aware that this is just the first step to losing it.

Ian Minshull

Theale Lamerton