Turbines response criticised

Civic leaders in Welshpool have hit out at county councillors over their lack of response on windfarm transportation issues.

Welshpool Town Council has been fighting to stop lorries transporting turbines for windfarms through the town. A petition seeking a public inquiry has been delivered to Westminster and the Welsh Assembly.

Robert Robinson, council clerk, said all 73 Powys county councillors had been written to for their support into a public inquiry, but the lack of response was "shocking".

"We wrote to all 73 county councillors asking them to support us in our fight for a public inquiry and we've had 15 responses – that's all. The majority haven't even had the decency to get back to us," he said.

"However, out of the 15 councillors that have responded, 13 are in support, one doesn't mind either way and one doesn't agree with it at all. But we as a town council will be continuing to press ahead for an inquiry," he added.

Powys County Council is expecting to receive planning applications for more than 500 wind turbines in the near future.