MORE than 100 protesters plan to descend on Blackburn Town Hall tonight in a bid to stop wind turbines going up on moors above Edgworth.

The Edgworth Against Turbines (EAT) group has campaigned for almost 12 months since an application was submitted for two turbines on part of Uglow Farm, by residents Julia and Angus Dootson.

The couple agreed to carry out the scheme for environmental reasons after being approached by UK wind farm owner, developer and operator National Wind Power (NWP) in a government-backed scheme, WindWorks. But planning officers have recommended the plans be rejected, stating that two 95-metre turbines would be "detrimental to the visual character of this otherwise unspoilt area of the West Pennine Moors".

Campaign member Kathryn Rodgers, who lives next to the planned site, welcomed the officers' report but stressed there were "other very relevant reasons too" for refusal. "They include nuisance from noise and the alteration of water courses as there is a serious risk of e-coli contamination due to the heavy construction," she said.

EAT is backed by the National Trust which has submitted an objection. The group's campaign has included filling the area with placards and signs urging people to say 'no' to the turbines as well as building a mini version of a turbine off Broadhead Road to raise awareness.