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Baumber windfarm action group

Barney on sign

& THE VALE OF LINCOLN

FIGHTING TO PROTECT

THE WOLDS

One of the turbines operated by Ecotricity at Conisholme (NE Lincolnshire) suffered a catastrophic structural failure in freezing conditions during the night of January 3rd/4th. Two huge blades were severely damaged after apparently making contact with the tower. One blade has fallen to the ground only after shedding large pieces of debris from height and over a wide area. The base of the tower shows signs of a major impact as the blade smashed through the entrance structure at ground level before rolling into the neighbouring field. During sub-zero temperatures this accident combined with the recent "ice shedding" incident at Whittlesey and the subsequent shut down of the turbine there is raising concerns over safety and design.

Catastrophic failure at Conisholme

(January 2009)

Conisholme 1

Ecotricity emergency engineers arrived on site at 15.00 on January 4th to begin an examination of the damage and assess the cost of repairs needed. The local residents and numerous people we saw taking pictures are asking questions about the safety of these turbines and the impact and huge costs of repairs. Ecotricity are being watched carefully by local people who supplied these pictures and campaigned to prevent this wind farm being constructed. Many others are now asking similar questions.

Turbine silhouette comparison left copy

This is further evidence (if it were needed) that the x8 130metre high turbines proposed for Baumber (41 metres taller than those at Conisholme) will be sited too close to the public highway, exposing drivers, cyclists and riders to unacceptable danger. Local residents and walkers together with protected wildlife areas would also be impacted negatively on a site that is marginal at best. The very public accident at Conisholme has proved beyond doubt that industrial wind generation does not sit with public safety. Siting massive turbines so close to people, businesses and roads is potentially disasterous and must be stopped before someone is seriously injured or even killed.

East Lindsey District Council must look carefully at any future proposal with these growing safety concerns in mind
The public is watching!

Base Wolds
Falling credibility