Monday, 9th January 2012
MEP to urge communities to confront local politicians over wind farm developments
People concerned about the impact of wind farms on Scotland’s environment, landscapes and rising energy prices should write to their local councillors, MSPs and MPs, a Scottish Conservative Euro MP will tell delegates at an event in Dunbartonshire on Thursday 12 January.
Struan Stevenson MEP will address a public meeting hosted by Communities Against Turbines Scotland (CATS) in the Kilmaronock Millennium Hall, Gartocharn aimed at highlighting the flaws in the Scottish Government’s policy of aiming for 100% of energy need from renewables by 2020.
Speaking ahead of the event, Struan Stevenson said:
“We are facing tough economic times, which will only worsen if we allow the SNP’s energy policies to have their disastrous effect on electricity prices, not to mention our unique Scottish landscapes. People in Dunbartonshire have plenty to worry about as they face the potential development of the Merkins Wind Farm development on the Kilpatrick Hills above Gartocharn, Bonhill, Jamestown and other communities in the area.
“That’s why I will be urging concerned people to write to their councillors, MSPs and MPs to state their opposition. The SNP propaganda machine has fooled them as much as anyone that developments like Merkins are good for communities and good for Scotland. But we are beginning to see the success of well-organised community action groups and public pressure in opposing such destructive plans and having them thrown out.
“Politicians from across the political spectrum must be persuaded that a more balanced energy policy that is less reliant on the dubious qualities of wind turbines is in everyone’s interests.”
Other speakers at the event will include:
• Professor Iain MacLeod
(Emeritus Professor of Structural Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Vice-President of the Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland (IESIS) and Chairman of the IESIS Energy Strategy Group)
• Helen McDade
(Head of Policy at the John Muir Trust)
ENDS
Notes to Editors
1. ‘Wind Turbines: Problem Solved?’ will be held at the Kilmaronock Millennium Hall, Gartocharn, Dunbartonshire, G83 8NF on Thursday 12 January from 19.30. All are welcome. More information is available at:
http://www.stoplochlomondwindturbines.com/wind-turbines-problem-solved.html
2. Struan Stevenson is a Conservative Euro MP for Scotland. He is a member of the European Parliament's Environment Committee and President of the Climate Change, Biodiversity & Sustainable Development Intergroup of more than 200 MEPs.
3. You are invited to send a reporter/photographer/camera crew to the conference. For further information on media opportunities, please contact Peter Smyth on peter@indigopr.com, 0131 554 1146 or 07766 166 637.
Monday 9 January 2012
