THE letter (June 27) about the proposed Scout Moor wind farm makes some good points. There is a need for much more investment in energy conservation alongside the moves towards renewable electricity supplies, and in this proposal it is wrong that the local planning system will be by-passed because of the large size of the scheme.

However, no matter how much we improve our energy efficiency we will still need electricity and the current methods of generation are simply not acceptable. The burning of fossil fuels wastes irreplaceable natural resources and causes the emission of vast quantities of climate-changing carbon dioxide gas. The Government has set a modest target for developing renewable, non-polluting sources and wind farms must play a part.

The main argument against wind farms rests with their appearance but surveys of those living near existing wind farms tend to show satisfaction with the new landscape. At least when you see the blades turning you know where some of the electricity in your wires is coming from!

The overall task of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels is a huge one and we must be willing to accept major changes over the next few decades. If we don't want this wind farm then come up with a better idea or significantly reduce your energy consumption. One thing is certain: "business as usual" is not an option.

United Utilities and Peel Holdings are the joint promoters of the Scout Moor wind farm and United Utilities will give a presentation to the resource issues group of Bury Environment Forum at 6pm on Wednesday, July 9, in Committee Room 2 at Bury Town Hall. Anyone wishing to attend should ring Nisha Kapoor on 0161 253 6983.

DAVID ARCHER,

Bury Environment Forum, Bury Friends of the Earth.