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Press Release

3 February 2006

Paice To Walk The Windfarm Site At Wadlow

On Saturday 4th February Jim Paice MP will join local residents on a site visit and walk of the proposed windfarm that is to be located between Balsham, West Wratting, Six Mile Bottom and the A11. 

The suggested development, which is not yet in the formal planning process, is for 13 turbines - each 120 metres high - and would be one of the UK’s largest inland wind farms located close to highly populated areas.

Jim Paice said: “Alternative and renewable energy sources are essential if we are to reduce carbon emissions and meet our Kyoto commitments but we have to look at the whole picture. Government policy concentrates on wind energy with insufficient attention being paid to other options. These include wave, tidal and solar power and the use of locally grown biomass.

“Local people are understandably concerned about the impact such a large windfarm would have on the local environment, wildlife, property prices and of course Fleam Dyke. By visiting the site we will get a better idea of just what the implications are for local people and how it would affect the countryside in one of the only upland areas of Cambridgeshire. 

“Most existing windfarms are either on the coast or in mountainous areas. In both cases they are further away from people’s homes so perhaps the most critical question that must be answered by the proposers is why not build it somewhere less populated?” 

Vicky Ford, the local resident organising the walk, explained: “It is hard to picture how big this windfarm will be. I hope that this walk will help people with that. I am delighted that Jim, who has visited many windfarms around the country, will join us. The windfarm will be close to the Fleam Dyke which is a protected Ancient Monument.” 

Vicky Ford added: “Many local people have concerns about the windfarm and many others support the proposal. I have arranged for a survey to be delivered to all local residents. Jim Paice has also put the survey on his website www.telljimpaice.com. I hope that people will take part in the survey so that everyone’s views can be heard.”