PLANS to build nine wind turbines close to a protected monument in the Northumberland countryside are attracting fierce criticism.

A London-based energy company has laid plans to install the 125-metre turbines just over a kilometre from Winter’s Gibbet at Middle Hill, on the moors near the hamlet of Elsdon, near Otterburn.

The replica gibbet was erected to commemorate the hanging of 18th-Century murderer William Winter, whose body was suspended in chains on the site for his 1791 killing of Margaret Crozier in Elsdon.

It is one of three Grade Two-listed heritage sites which would fall within view of the wind farm.

Angry locals who fear the attraction of the area will be destroyed have swiftly formed an action group and say they will fight Middle Hill Renewables Ltd to preserve their landscape.

The Middle Hill Action Group has already launched its own website and has set about gathering support from surrounding communities since its formation last week.

Yesterday the developers came face to face with locals at a consultation exercise in Elsdon Village Hall.

The usual Sunday peace of the village was broken by a steady stream of visitors to the hall, where Middle Hills Renewables directors Jens Rasmussen and Bob Morgan answered a torrent of questions.

Mr Rasmussen said: “We are listening to the concerns as part of the consultation process, then we will form our opinions.

“The final application has not been made yet, but this area is one of the best and most suitable sites for wind farms.

“There are many parties to be consulted with and we would expect feedback from the planning authority in due course. We would then act on their feedback.”