MIGRATING birds could meet an unfortunate end if plans to build a wind farm on Darwen Moor get the thumbs-up.

Mavis Smith, a journalist on Bird Watching magazine, fears many of the 750,000 birds which migrate over the moor could be injured or killed if they fly into the wind turbines.

Breeding birds, including two rare Peregrine falcons which nest at the top of India Mills' chimney stack, could also suffer along with many other breeds which rely on the moors for food and nesting locations.

According to Mavis, who has compiled statistics on the number of breeding birds on the moors for the Darwen Moors Wind Farm Opposition Group, the wind farm will have a dramatic effect on local wildlife.

She told the Citizen: "The building work will cause a lot of disruption to the birds. Some may lose their homes and many more will be affected when access roads are created.

"At the moment, these birds can live in peace because much of the moor is untouched, with people tending to mill around the tower."

She added: "No matter how remote the risk of danger may appear to be, the proposals will be opposed by animal lovers in the area who want to see the area left as it is."

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