GIANT wind turbines planned in the centre of a Frodsham country park could cost Cheshire’s tourism millions in lost revenue every year.

The cluster of four 410ft high turbines, which are 100ft taller than Big Ben, would be among the tallest in the UK and could impact on the local economy - say objectors.

Developers Tegni Cymru and Germania Wind Park, are proposing the wind farm in Weaver Valley Regional Park, at Aston Grange, Frodsham.

Campaign group Stop Aston Wind Farm (SAW) are opposing the development at an inquiry in the Forest Hills Hotel, Frodsham, which began on Monday.

Chairman of the Weaver Valley Management Board, Mike Cooksley, gave evidence for SAW yesterday (Thursday).

He said: “Regional parks should be protected, developed and enjoyed by both visitors and residents.

“The countryside of Cheshire is epitomised by this site and is seen by many as the antidote to urbanisation and relief from city life.”

He added: “The park is key to the growth of the visitor economy in Cheshire that will see tourism worth some £2 billion per year by 2015.

“Frodsham is beginning to be branded “the walking town” and is the starting point of the Sandstone Trail and The Weaver Way, a route stretching the length of the Weaver Valley, used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

“The turbines would dominate what is a pleasant open and unspoilt countryside and irrevocably change its character.

“There seems little point in trying to save the environment when by the very act of allowing an inappropriate development of this kind we destroy the very environment that we seek to save.”

The inquiry runs from 9.30am-to-5pm at The Forest Hills Hotel, Frodsham, and until Wednesday, August 27 and a decision is expected in October.