An example of the dangers
of siting turbines close to villages and homes.
One of the turbines operated by Ecotricity at
Conisholme (NE Lincolnshire) suffered a catastrophic
structural failure in freezing conditions during
the night of January 3rd/4th. Two huge blades
were severely damaged after apparently making
contact with the tower. One blade has fallen to
the groundafter shedding large pieces of debris
from height over a wide area. The base of the
tower shows signs of a major impact as the blade
smashed through the entrance structure at ground
level before rolling into the neighbouring field.
During sub-zero temperatures this accident combined
with the recent "ice shedding" incident at Whittlesey
and the subsequent shut down of the turbine there
is raising concerns over safety and design.
Ecotricity emergency engineers arrived
on site at 15.00 on January 4th to begin an examination
of the damage and assess the cost of repairs needed.
Ecotricity are being watched carefully by local
people who supplied these pictures and campaigned
to prevent this wind farm being constructed. Many
others are now asking similar questions.
This is further evidence (if it were needed)
that the 9 x 125 metre high turbines proposed
for Appleton Wiske (45 metres taller than those
at Conisholme) will be sited too close to villages
and the public highway. Exposing houses and farms,
drivers, cyclists and riders to unacceptable danger.
The very public accident at Conisholme has proved
beyond doubt that industrial wind generation does
not sit with public safety. Siting massive turbines
so close to people, farms and roads is potentially
disasterous and must be stopped before someone
is seriously injured or even killed.
