FILMING and streaming a public inquiry into Wind turbines on Frodsham Marshes could cost residents and councillors £10,000.

Councillors in Frodsham and Helsby are hoping to raise thousands of pounds so that people can watch the inquiry into the proposed turbines unfold while they are at work or in the comfort of their own home.

But with less than a week before the inquiry begins councillors are appealing to parish councils and neighbouring villages to help foot the massive bill to get the images streamed live on the internet.

Speaking at Helsby Parish Council meeting on Monday (November 14) Cllr Les Ford said that filming the meetings would allow local people to be able to keep up to date with decisions which would have a ‘massive impact on their lives’.

“It would be great for me as I have meetings all day which means that I cannot be at the public inquiry every day,” said Cllr Ford.

“People who are working will not be able to make it to the meetings. It is a lot of money but unless it is videoed and streamed people will miss major decisions which could have a massive impact on their communities.”

The planning inspector would need to give permission for the meetings to be filmed, but Cllr Ford explained that he and Cllr Lynn Riley were approaching neighbouring villages to try and raise the cash.

“We are hoping that Helsby Parish Council will donate £1,000 towards the costs. I know that Frodsham Town Council is making a decision at the moment and that Cllr Andrew Dawson might be contributing money from his personal members grant,” said Cllr Ford.

“I am planning to contribute money from my grant as well. If we can get each council to contribute £1,000 we will be well on our way. We could always approach Peel Energy for the remainder of the money.”

If given video would be streamed live through Cheshire West and Chester Council website.

A spokesperson for CWaC explained that the cost could be less, and would be funded by councillors out of their personal members budgets, and not by the authority as they were under no obligation to stream the government inquiry.

The public inquiry into the Frodsham Wind farm is due to start at 10am on Tuesday (November 22). It is expected to last for 16 days. All meetings will be held at the Holiday Inn in Runcorn. For more information visit www.banksolutions.co.uk/frodsham

Get next week’s Chronicle for a report of the opening of the inquiry, and keep up to date at www.chesterchronicle.co.uk