20-year blighted Stobswood community set for new battle

The company says land at Stobswood and nearby Chevington is being assessed as a possible site for between 12 and 15 turbines.

The area is one of three in Northumberland where UK Coal hopes to drive forward wind power schemes on its former mining sites, in partnership with specialist operator Peel Energy.

Yesterday the news that turbines up to 110m high could be built on the Stobswood site after it is restored was greeted with shock and alarm by members of a pressure group which has fought a long battle to end opencasting in the area.

Solicitor Richard Scott, whose family has a house in Stobswood and who is a member of Residents Opposed to Opencast Mining (ROOM), said: "UK Coal wants the best of both worlds. This is adding insult to injury after enduring 18 years of opencasting. You would think they would allow the residents of Stobswood and Widdrington Station to have a bit of relief for a few years, and give someone else some grief."

Lesley Tollett, of Widdrington Station, who chairs ROOM, said: "Clearly, there will be concern about opencasting being followed by big turbines."

UK Coal spokesman Stuart Oliver said: "All we have said is that the Stobswood and Chevington area has the potential to support wind energy. There are no proposals at this stage, and if wind tests show the area is suitable, there would be full public consultation."