Protesters fighting two proposed wind farms have joined forces with other campaigners to put up a united front against the schemes.

Coronation Power, a London-based developer of wind energy schemes, submitted plans last month for three wind farms at Reaps Moss in Britannia, Todmorden Moor, and Crook Hill near Wardle in Littleborough.

Bacup protesters have merged with Todmorden residents to form the Friends of the South Pennines' to oppose the plans.

Spokeswoman and Bacup resident Denise McGowan said: "We feel the need to make residents aware of the impact massive turbines will have on their environment.

"I am for renewable energy but there is evidence that wind power is an unreliable and intermittent source."

The Reaps Moss site is only two miles from Bacup town centre, a conservation area, and less than one mile from the residential developments of Hazel Grove, the Isle of Man estate and the new constructions of Erin Rise, Woodland Grange and Pennine View.

Mrs McGowan said: "The four turbines will dominate the skyline and be visible as far away as Manchester and the Calder Valley. Most of the site is on peat land, which will be disturbed by foundations for these massive structures and the laying of access roads.

"Heavy rainfall will cause erosion from which the moorland will never recover, and wind farms can reduce the value of your home."

Mrs McGowan added: "The area has suffered the scars of the Industrial Revolution with quarries and coal mines. It is finally starting to recover its natural beauty."

Rossendale residents are asked to lend their support at the next meeting of the Friends of the South Pennines on Monday March 5, at the Crown Inn in Greave Road, Bacup, at 7.30pm.

E-mail Mrs McGowan on den.kev@hotmail.co.uk.

The group will face opposition from residents who support the move - suggested by Microgeneration Yorkshire - to let the community co-own one of the five turbines planned for Todmorden Moor, meaning they would benefit from any profits.

Calderdale Friends of the Earth group support the scheme for Todmorden, as it will help the borough to reduce its carbon footprint.