Tide turning for turbines

WHILE I would not disagree with the views expressed by Annie Brenton ('Councillors out of touch', Journal, November 1), local democracy also depends on balanced reporting from the media.

I support the Journal's Comment of October 25 ('Another Plan is Approved', referring to Batsworthy). The Journal made it clear it neither supports or opposes wind turbines. It said it was against large swathes of the community and our councils being ignored by large corporations.

The Green Party alone has supported these large corporations. Mr Knight has made various statements in the press as to why he supports this total disregard of local people's views. He has stated that blame lies with "press headlines" which he alleges have provoked this huge backlash against wind turbines.

I will apologise in advance if my views cause irritation, but my conclusions as to why large swathes of people have turned away from the Green Party, its one main policy on wind energy and its support for the big corporations are:

Supporting the destruction of Fullabrook; denying problems with noise, health and property devaluation.

Supporting the destruction of Exmoor.

Pursuing policies that lead to fuel poverty for thousands on low incomes; destroying landscapes and wildlife; turning North Devon into a "battle-ground".

For ignoring the killing of wildlife by its own members; having such offensive material on the internet and not removing its press officer.

Going into junior schools, indoctrinating children with Green Party dogma regarding wind turbines; taking children to the dangerous industrial site at Fullabrook to "hug a turbine"; photographing these children with Green Party activists and the power companies and circulating those photos on the internet. To paraphrase Pink Floyd: "Teacher, leave our kids alone".

For supporting the Atlantic Array against the overwhelming majority view; for dismissing the serious issue of marine mammals; ignoring objections from the Fishermans Association.

The tide has turned regarding this failed technology. The Government is tearing itself apart with the latest comments from its Energy Minister John Hayes. Soon, no politician will want to be associated with wind turbines. With the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will see those abominations on our treasured landscapes – and we will remember.

Joanne Bell,

Barnstaple.