CAMPAIGNERS are counting on people power to stop the largest wind farm in the country from being built on the region's moorland.

Controversial proposals to site 26 large turbines on Scout Moor, near Edenfield, will go to a public inquiry in November.

And campaigning group Friends of Scout Moor is urging people to voice their opposition to the £50m development at the inquiry.

Leading member Mrs Ann Metcalfe told the Bury Times: "We are confident that we can stop this development but we need people to come forward and speak against the plans."

United Utilities Green Energy Limited and Peel Investments (North) Limited have put forward the proposals, which have attracted widespread opposition from residents in Ramsbottom and Rossendale. They claim the benefits of the wind farm would be outweighed by the "devastating" effect it would have on the moorland and surrounding areas.

But developers maintain that the wind farm would provide more than 51,000 homes with renewable energy. They say that the wind farm, together with similar projects across the UK, would help to reduce CO2 emissions

The plans have been rejected by Rossendale Borough Council, Lancashire County Council and Rochdale Council and as a result will now go to an inquiry on November 23.

Mrs Metcalfe urged those against the plans to attend a pre-inquiry hearing on August 9 to register their opposition.

"It is very important to attend this meeting at the Norton Grange Hotel in Castleton. It will be an informal hearing and will give the planning inspector a chance to understand what to expect."

Mrs Metcalfe said: "If this wind farm gets the go-ahead it could pave the way for others in the area. We are not against renewable energy sources but not at the cost of the environment and when there are other alternatives to wind farms."

Those wishing to become involved in the public inquiry should ring Mrs Metcalfe on 01706 630122.