HORSE riders are battling to put a stop to a wind farm that they claim is putting them in danger.

Coal Clough Wind Farm has applied to Burnley Council to extend its use for another 10 years.

But the British Horse Society and the South Pennine Packhorse Trails Trust have both objected saying the wind turbines, on both sides of a public bridleway, startle their animals and riders causing potentially serious accidents.

But their fight appears to be in vain, as planning officers say there are no new issues raised from when the original 15-year permission for the wind farm, off Long Causeway, above Cliviger, was granted.

The Trails Trust says riders have to pass perilously close to the turbine's blades and that there is a history of accidents in the area as steep gradients mean riders and horses are suddenly confronted with the turbines.

Research and projects co-ordinator Sue Hogg said: "It's a very important site as lots of trails meet up there. No one knew the impact from wind farms on horses before.

"You have got these great big blades rotating right above your head and they emit a high-pitched noise. Some horses jump over the shadows as they pass.

"It really creates a no go area. It's not safe. One rider got thrown and had to go to hospital."

The British Horse Society said the path through the wind farm was a historical route, well used by riders.

As well as the safety issue it says the wind farm is detrimental to the local economy, as equestrian activity supports tourism and local businesses but riders are being put off.

Conservation group English Nature has not objected to the plans, saying there is no evidence that the wind farm has damaged the ecology.

Government advice says that the wider environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy projects should be given significant weight. And planning officers say that while the turbines are an "alien" feature on the landscape the hills minimise their impact.

They say the wind farm has been a feature of the landscape for 12 years and people will be used to it.

A report to Burnley Council's Development Control Committee, which will rule on the application tomorrow, says: "Extending the life of the wind farm does not impose a new risk on users of the bridleway network.

"It would not be reasonable to refuse this application."