'˜We've done our bit' say incensed anti-turbine protestors

Stop Checkley Wood Turbine (SCWT) aims to counter proposals for the 450ft wind turbine to be built at the recently vacated Checkley Wood Farm on the edge of Heath and Reach.

In a strongly-worded letter to Central Beds Council, thegroup state: “This is not about the pros and cons of renewable energy, this is about why now and why here.”

Lobby member Chris Roberts told the LBO: “We’re sending out a one-page flyer to all affected residents of the parish, a website is being set up.

“We’re inviting people to go to this website and provide an easy path for them to register their objection.

“We’ve also created a very substantial rebuttal document.”

According to Mr Roberts, the group was formed following a public meeting hosted by the parish council at Heath and Reach Barn on May 26.

The campaign group claims to have the support of the majority of the Heath and Reach community as well as that of the parish council. Its website is www.scwt.org.uk.

Leighton-Linslade Town Council’s planning committee discussed the turbine proposal at its meeting on June 1 and members were split over its merits. As the land isn’t in the Leighton-Linslade parish, they didn’t formulate an official view however.

In their campaign material, SCWT stated: “Our local communities have already provided the Double Arches turbine location to the renewable energy industry. We have done our bit. Now is the time to say ‘no more’.”

Residents have until June 20 to submit their views to Central Beds Council.