The collapsed turbine at East Ash Farm in Bradworthy. Photo by Phil Ashmore
Climate scam.
A
CONTROVERSIAL 80ft wind turbine has collapsed after being hit by heavy
winds.
The
£250,000 (€291,000) tower, which stood as tall as a six storey building, was hit
by gale force gusts of 50mph.
The
structure then collapsed at a farm in Bradworth, Devon, England leaving a
"mangled wreck".
Margaret
Coles, Chairwoman of Bradworthy District Council, said hail storms and strong
winds have hit the area and the turbine, installed just three years ago, simply
could not withstand the wind.
"The
bolts on the base could not withstand the wind and as we are a very windy part
of the country they [the energy company] have egg on their face," she said.
"There are concerns about safety."
The
Bradworthy Parish Council, who opposed the turbine, expressed concern that there
was “nothing exceptional” in the speed of the winds.
Installed
by renewable energy company Dulas it was supposed to have a life expectancy of
25 years.
They
noted that “wind speeds are part of our root-cause investigation”.
It
was erected in July 2010 despite fierce opposition from local residents, who
said it would be a noise and visual nuisance.
Councillor
Keith Tomlin said: "We are relieved that no one was injured. But had this
happened in daytime there was a chance of serious injury to workers on the farm
where it was located or to the public on the road nearby."
