A LOCAL farmer wants to start up a small wind farm close to the busy A420 within one kilometre of the Swindon boundary.

He is being thwarted at every turn. For several years he has painstakingly followed committee cycles and is seeking finalisation of key aspects at the Vale of White Horse planning committee (south) in the next few weeks.

Meanwhile as this farmer strives to persuade the council to make the best decision for current and future generations, report after report demonstrates the negative effects of climate change on animals, plants and humans. Government reports also urge local authorities to establish wind farms.

The current stumbling blocks appear to be: reasonable safety for a small glider club, estimation of low frequency noise and the subjective view that some people neither like the idea, nor sight, of modern windmills creating sustainable energy for local homes.

The farmer is committed to setting up the wind farm as a community enterprise whereby local people can have a say in how the venture is run. I might add that this is not a lone venture, but a carefully researched initiative supported by a large number of local and national people.

With this exciting project, a first in the region, local councillors, urged on by their electorate, are I trust, far sighted enough to blaze a trail towards the future.

TONY HILLIER

South View Avenue

Swindon

I am sure nearby Swindon councillors, with their strong commitment to the environment, are watching this closely and already far advanced in their plans for similar environmentally friendly schemes.

Experts are poised on both sides of the fence to declare about gliders and noise. Expert councillors are elected to make the best reasonable decision. These wind turbines are, beyond reasonable doubt, beneficial for society.