REGARDING 'Windfarms are welcome' (Letters, February 19) opinion is divided upon the alleged benefits of so-called 'wind-farms' which are not farms, but industrial developments.

Evidence shows a huge public opinion against windfarms, resulting in a great majority of planning applications being refused. This has led to a proposal to ease planning requirements to overcome this.

Whilst we are sure Mr K Sowerbutts expressed an honest opinion, his views reveal several misconceptions - in particular that the end product is preferable to nuclear power stations.

But not one nuclear power station would close even if the country was covered in wind turbines. The choice is, therefore, not between windfarms and nuclear power stations.

The suggestion that wildlife would adapt is highly debatable, as is the assertion that wind farms are safe, clean, virtually silent and will help supply power where needed.

Mr Sowerbutts also compares those living near wind farms to those living near pylons and power lines, etc. But the power from wind turbines is usually transferred to the National Grid by such means, with even further degradation of countryside. Even worse is the quite dismal performance of windfarms.

In every case, their annual output is matched in hours by a conventional nuclear power station.

The attraction of windfarms is not energy saving or green arguments, but hard cash in subsidies to the operator and substantial annual rents for landowners.

We believe our generation has an obligation to preserve the wild and unspoiled areas of our country, both for our own enjoyment and that of future generations, and urge people to look at the pros and cons.

Listen not only to arguments of those for, but also those against these developments. Hopefully, this will lead to even more support for those fighting these developments.

The Country Guardians are dedicated to preserving the countryside. Information on windfarms can be obtained from them.

GEOFF AND BERYL PAYNE, Lennox Farm, and JACK AND HELEN STRINGFELLOW, Michaelmas Cottage, both of Old Clitheroe Road, Dutton, Longridge.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.