Introduction

Pontefract Wind Farm Action Group (PWAG) has been formed to work with and for the residents of both rural and urban districts of the area to raise awareness of the impact and likely detrimental effects of the siting of wind turbines in our community.

The impact will be far reaching - well beyond the currently proposed site on Went Edge, taller than Ferrybridge power station, and visible across the county. If this application is allowed to be succesful, then further developments will follow. The cost to this community, and others indirectly affected will be traumatic:-

1. Devastation of an area of both ecological and archeological significance
2. Health problems antagonised by intrusive, pulsating low frequency noise, particulary distressful to migraine and epilepsy suffers and others
3. Strobing and flicker effects on drivers using the surrounding road network and a likely cause of accidents and damage to people and vehicles on the busy A1 motorway
4. Close proximity to residential areas - guidelines indicate no closer than 2km from the nearest habitable dwelling and the proposal is for siting well below that distance
5. A damaged and unsightly environment for our children and grandchildren to live and grow up in
6. Reduction in the value of houses, and the necessary reduction in Council charges payable to Wakefield MDC as a direct result of this proposal that could adversely affect the services currently financed by our Council tax

The PWAG is not opposed to responsible renewable energy strategies and would support any other effort to redress the balance. However we are very concerned that wind turbines can be viewed as a quick-fix local solution to a global problem, achieving target quotas but not being proven to be efficient or reliable.

Further details are available from Tony Hames, Chairman of the PWAG on 01977 620361.

Objectives

The objectives of the PWAG are:-

1. Oppose the application by Banks Developments to the erection of wind turbines on Westfield Lane, Darrington. Planning Application No. 07/01338/FUL
2. To support and work with any other action groups formed for the same purpose
3. To work with and for the local communities affected by such development
4. To develop local links, keep local communities informed and use any specialist knowledge available through such links to the benefit of the group in opposing this planning application

P.W.A.G. is ... ... ...

A non-political group of publicly elected and co-opted members who represent local residents concerned about and objecting to, the application for a large wind farm overlooking Darrington, West Park, Wentbridge, East Hardwick, Carleton and South Pontefract.

The Steering Group meets every two weeks and

1.Gives direction and tracks progress.

2. Ensures local concerns are visible and produces documentation reflecting these concerns.

3. Gathers support from leading figures, organizations and the public.

4. Ensures local concerns are fully considered in the determination of the application.

5. Acts as an interface between objectors and the Wakefield MDC planners.

The Technical Group is charged with

1. Examining the planning application.

2. Identifying potential impact on the local environment and its residents.

3. Producing documentation reflecting objections to any negative impact.

4. Ensuring all local concerns are included and covered in documentation.

The Media Group is charged with

1. Maintaining a high visibility of the work of the action group.

2. Keeping local residents up to date with action and progress.

3. Producing informative newsletters.

4. Establishing and maintaining an up to date website.

5. Organizing public events.

In brief.  PWAG was established to:

Represent the local community.

Oppose the wind farm application

Solicit and gather support against the plan.

Produce evidence and documentation reflecting local concerns.

Submit documented objections to the WMDC Planners.

Maintain visibility of the impact of the wind farm application.

Keep the community up to date.

Ensure local views are fully included, understood and considered in the final deliberations and outcome.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Maintain the impetus of your views, by submitting a letter of objection to the Planning Department, MP, Councillors or the press. Even if you have objected in the past, send another letter spelling out your fears. A personally composed letter or use of a standard letter will both carry weight in the outcome of the application. Your fellow residents need your support.

Don't delay!!!     Write today!!!