October 2011

A report commissioned by Chris Huhne claims that fuel poverty is being exacerbated by the push to renewables. Click here.

Broadview's Supporters Evening Update.

Information on the event that Broadview held on 13th October (please see heading further down) can be found on the Burnham on Sea.com website. Click here for article. 

No Pilrow's response to the article is as follows: 

Wedmore Green Group - Two NoPilow committee members also attended this at the request of that group and approx. ten green group members were present. Broadview have stated that they "received a positive response" to their plan but since NoPilrow also gave a talk and received equal consideration it would be perfectly legitimate for us to say that we also “received a positive response”! However NoPilrow are making no such claim since this would surely be seen for what it is – mere publicity hype. We would simply state that what is important, is for everyone to be fully aware of both sides of the argument.

As for Broadview’s comments about Webbington, NoPilrow have since communicated with an individual that was present at the event, who has informed us that it was not very well attended and numbers present were approx. 20 (including four from Broadview, local landowners and a reporter). If you read the Broadview's press report, it states that Broadview would not give numbers. It is also of interest, that Broadview claim that pro wind farm supporters are less vocal - perhaps thats because there are not many of them !!.

Our own social event, a Cheese and Wine party at East Brent Village Hall last Friday, was attended by at least five times that number and a total of £500 was raised to help fight this wind farm proposal.

NoPilrow is not stating these figures in a spirit of triumphalism – far from it. we are simply trying to put on record facts that Broadview and their financially powerful publicity organisation are so anxious to hide. To put it quite bluntly Broadview are for all practical purposes without supporters in the area with the exception of those people who have a vested interest. It is important that this is understood both by the public generally and perhaps more so by our elected representatives.

14th October - Fund Raising Event Raises £500

Please cliick here for details

13th October - Broadview's Supporters Evening at the Webbington Hotel

Broadview held a Supporters Evening (for people in support of the proposed Pilrow Wind Farm) at the Webbington Hotel, Loxton. According to the articles in the local press and Broadview's website, anyone that wanted to attend had to contact Broadview for an invite. The evening was billed as a chance for people in the community who are supporters to find out more and make their voices be heard. Broadview also stated that it would be an opportunity to hear of the experiences of people who have lived near or have been involved with wind farm proposals.

The event was also broadcasted on local Radio throughout the day

As at Saturday 15th October, no updates on the event have been posted on Broadviews website nor on their facebook page. Thus the official line has still to be publicised. However, information has been passed onto NoPilrow which summarised the following:

Some 15 people attended, of which we believe - 4 of which were from Broadview, 4 of which were local farmers/landowners, 1 person that was a reporter from a local newspaper. This then leaves 6. So if at least one of the 6 was someone that had experience of living near a windfarm or had been involved in a windfarm proposal, then the maximum number of potential local supporters would have been 5 (with the exception of the local farmers/landowners).

If the summary received is an accurate, or a near accurate summary, then NoPilrow believe this clearly shows that even when attempting to influence people away from the immediate area of this proposed wind farm (ie. it was held at the Webbington Hotel which is approx 7 miles away from the proposed site by road) they are still receiving no significant support at all.

It is to be hoped that our elected representatives take note of the feelings and mood of both our local community and the residents of the wider area of the Somerset Levels with regard to this enormous industrial development proposed for our green belt countryside".

Turbine Noise Destroying Our Lives

PEOPLE living near the new Fullabrook (North Devon) wind farm claim their lives are being "destroyed" by the noise generated from each of the 22 turbines. Read more by clicking on Turbine noise 'destroying' our lives

Calling for auction prizes for NoPilrow fundraiser

Media release for NoPilrow

BUSINESSES and individuals in Somerset are being asked to donate items or skills this month (October, 2011) to help with an auction taking place at a dinner and dance in the county.

NoPilrow, which is opposed to a wind farm development near Rooksbridge, is hosting the event on November 18 to raise funds for its campaign. David Maund, NoPilrow Vice Chairman, explained: “The dinner and dance at Brent House Restaurant in East Brent will help us to raise as much money as possible for our fighting fund. “We would like to hear from anyone in the area who would like to donate any items to the auction.

People could also donate a skill they have or even their time. “Tickets for the evening will cost £22.50 per person and will include a carvery, dessert and coffee. Tables can be made up for eight or 12 people.” During the evening there will be a disco, a raffle and an auction. The event will start at 7pm and finish at midnight.

NoPilrow, which now has more than 300 supporters, was officially formed in July to fight proposals by Broadview Energy to build the 140 metre high turbines on farmland on Vole Road on the Somerset Levels. David added: “We are not against the idea of renewable energy but it is becoming clear that onshore wind farms are inefficient, costly and environmentally disastrous. They place an unacceptable burden on every household through the subsidies to wind farm companies, which all of us have to pay for through our energy bills, including all those businesses engaged in the tourist industry.

“The impact of these structures on the Somerset Levels, if they are allowed to go ahead, will, we feel, be devastating and people from as far afield as Burnham-on-Sea, Cheddar and Glastonbury will be able to see them.” NoPilrow is organising fundraising events to ensure it is able to continue its fight against the wind farm development.

The dinner and dance will take place on Friday, November 18 from 7pm until midnight at Brent House Restaurant in East Brent. If you would like to donate an item to the auction, please call David on 07981 331 213 or email david.m.maund@googlemail.com.

Tickets will cost £22.50 per person. To book places for the evening, please call David on the above number or NoPilrow Event Organiser, Louise Allen on 07921 220 343 or email louiseallen31@yahoo.co.uk.