news story

8th January 2006

MP Launches Massive Consultation On Wind Farms in South Glos.

Northavon MP Steve Webb has launched a widespread consultation with local residents on their view about wind farms. He has already sent out nearly 4,000 e-mails to constituents and is seeking views by letter or e-mail from across Northavon. The MP is not asking for views on the suitability of a particular site but is asking whether, in principle, local residents would support the siting of wind farms in South Gloucestershire.

Steve Webb has undertaken to forward a summary of the views received to South Gloucestershire Council which, like many local authorities, is expected to have to consider wind farm applications over the coming years.

Full details of the consultation, including links to websites for and against wind farms can be found on the MP's website.

Steve Webb said:

"I would be very interested to know whether local people are, in principle, for or against having wind farms in our area. I recognise that this can be a very divisive issue.

"For some, wind farms are an important contribution to our energy needs and can be attractive. To others they are a blot on the landscape and largely irrelevant to our energy needs. I am keen to hear from as many local people as possible how they stand".

Local people can send their views by e-mail to: steve@stevewebb.org.uk or can write to the MP at his constituency office at Poole Court, Yate.

Last year the MP undertook a similar consultation on local attitudes to a new generation of nuclear power stations, with a balance of respondents saying that they did not want to see new nuclear power stations in South Gloucestershire. In 2005 the Northavon MP was winner of an award at the Channel 4 political awards for his pioneering use of technology in engaging local people and responding to their views.