BNP leader Nick Griffin speaks out against wind farm proposed for Frodsham and Helsby Marshes

Dec 10 2009 by Paul Mannion, Chester Chronicle

BNP leader Nick Griffin has condemned plans to build a 21-turbine wind farm on Frodsham and Helsby Marshes in a political TV programme.

The far-right group’s figurehead – who will be attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in his role as North West MEP – appeared on the BBC Politics Show aired on Sunday and attacked Peel Energy’s plans.

“I would not be happy about this if I lived in Frodsham,” said Mr Griffin.

“I don’t think wind farms should be built anywhere.

“Wind power is inefficient.

“We should be building nuclear power stations and getting into deep wave energy and not wasting time and money on wind farms, but there are all sorts of vested interests here.”

In the same programme, fellow North West MEP, Chris Davies, of the Liberal Democrats, said the proposed site could ‘tolerate’ a wind farm.

“Wind power has a part to play but so much depends on location,” he said, adding that he knew the area well.

“A lot of it comes down to personal perception and I think people, ultimately, should be the ones who make the decision.”

Resident Andrew Basden, a member of Friends of the Earth, was featured extolling the virtues of wind power, said: “In the 20 years I’ve lived in Frodsham overlooking the marshes, I’ve always thought it would be a great place for a wind farm.

“I’d love to see some turbines there generating power for Frodsham and Helsby.

“It’s a lovely view, but it’s industry that helps to make the view.”

Frodsham town councillor Tony Hinkins – who has launched a www.sfwf-campaign.co.uk, a website to go with his personal campaign against the towering turbines – said: “Nick Griffin and Chris Davies seemed very well informed on the issue and I was pleased they both appeared to agree that wind energy is a sideshow and that nuclear energy is strategically more important.”