VANDALS have stopped the turbines turning at Coal Clough wind farm, Cliviger.

The 24-windmill operation, the biggest in England, 1,300ft up on the moors above Burnley, has been closed down for repairs following attacks by stone-throwing hooligans last month.

The total cost of the damage and loss of revenue has been estimated at up to £80,000.

It was caused when youths smashed insulators and isolation equipment at the adjoining sub station. No entry was gained to the sub station compound.

Large stones were thrown over the security fence, damaging six insulators and two transfer bushings.

The wind farm will remain closed down until the weekend at a cost of £5,000 a day. A longer close-down will be needed later to complete the repair work.

A spokesperson for Renewable Energy Systems Ltd said the porcelain insulators, about 12 feet off the ground, were designed to cope with extreme weather and had the damage been caused during the winter months the turbines would have to close down immediately.

Although security patrols have been stepped up, the owners had no wish to make the wind farm look like some kind of prison.

The previous week, youngsters were caught throwing stones at the turbines. They were taken to Burnley Police Station and cautioned.

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