PLANS to build a £50m windfarm on moors above Bury have the support of local residents, according to a new survey.

The Mori poll said 72 per cent of residents in Bury, Rossendale and Rochdale were in favour of the development at Knowl Moor and Scout Moor.

Researchers asked 489 people whether they were in favour of building 26 wind turbines and only 15pc were against the plans while 14pc were undecided.

Paul Hunt, the project manager of the joint venture between United Utilities and property firm Peel Holdings, said he knew there was considerable support for the plans in the area.

But he added that their voices had not always been heard above the small and vocal minority who oppose the project.