PETITIONS against a wind turbine on council-owned farmland have been launched in a Tynedale village.

Northumberland County Council wants the 15.3-metre, six-kilowatt turbine to service a modern, zero-carbon learning centre at Haydon Bridge High School.

But the turbine would be built close to a conservation area on nearby Waite Farm – and a number of protest petitions are being placed in shops in the village.

John and Julie Nattrass, of High Meadows, North Bank in Haydon Bridge, are leading the battle to stop the Council building the turbine.

Mrs Nattrass said: “We are prepared to fight. Where they are proposing to put it is just not feasible.

“This is supposed to be a conservation area – which is why John and I bought it in the first place five years ago.

“Having only one turbine would mean they wouldn’t feel the benefit of it – and our worry is that they would then come back for more.

“Before you knew where you were, there would be a full-scale wind farm there.”

Objectors say the three-blade turbine could disturb and damage known bird colonies in the area as well as prove an eyesore.

A 130-metre stretch of underground cable would cut across the conservation area. Hexham MP Guy Opperman has written to the local authority to “seek clarification” on the issue. Mr and Mrs Nattrass, who live 175 metres from the proposed turbine site, have spread petitions in a number of shops in Haydon Bridge and say they are getting strong support.