DONORS who helped fund an anti-wind farm group’s war chest are to receive their money back.
Protestors belonging to Stop Bickerton Wind Turbines (SBWT) announced at its annual meeting 75% of funds would be returned.
The celebratory meeting was attended by SBWT members and Tory MP Stephen O’Brien, who backed the protest from the beginning.
The meeting brought closure to the two-year controversy at Bickerton, close to the Sandstone Trail, after Durham-based firm Banks Developments withdrew their plans to build up to five giant wind turbines on local farmland.
A letter from the company confirmed they would not be resurrecting the project and its option on the land would be terminated.
SBWT chairman Mike Voisey said: “I think that we can safely say that we have been one of the lucky communities which has won its campaign and that we can now go back to enjoying this very special place.”
Mr Voisey also pledged the group’s support to fellow protestors at Rushton and Frodsham Marshes who still have wind farm developers actively seeking to build turbines in their areas.
He also revealed that the group would retain a ‘fighting fund’ in case another developer showed interest in the site, off Long Lane.
The group’s website, which attracted 60,000 hits during the campaign, will also be maintained.
Eddisbury MP O’Brien hailed SBWT’s success and said Banks’ decision was a victory for local democracy.
He said: “If the plan for wind turbines had gone ahead it would have despoiled this area for generations to come and caused deep stress for local people.
“Wind turbines damage the environment more than they help it. It would have been an act of mindless vandalism.”
