It's a blustery issue, and one which more and more people are having to address in the 21st century: wind farms - whether we should have them and, if we do, where they should go.

In our region alone, residents in places like East Stoke and Silton are fighting battles (which some would describe as Nimbyism) to prevent wind farms being constructed near their homes.

Many problems are cited as a reason for the protests - the noise the turbines generate, their aesthetically displeasing qualities, destruction of wildlife habitats - all of which are entirely valid but not, I am quite sure, insurmountable.

True, land does have to be cleared (in some instances) to make way for the projects, in order that enough wind reaches the turbines.

But the sound issues are being addressed all the time, with modern turbines producing less and less noise.

As for the visual nature of the farms, perhaps we could address that by changing the designs somewhat?

Maybe, instead of the rather obvious plain white turbines, we should have a tree bark pattern on the tower section, coupled with a green foliage design on the blades, in order for the towering machines to blend into the natural surroundings and look like trees.

Or we could go all out and have graffitti-style towers, colourfully trumpeting the dawn of a new, greener era.

It's not that I think wind farms are the best thing since sliced bread.

If truth be known, I'm quite sure I would feel really uncomfortable with the idea of one being erected in an expanse near me.

But I am only too aware of the effect global warming is having on our planet, and also of how we are not the planet's only residents.

We have a duty to Earth's other inhabitants - the ones who aren't hell-bent on its destruction - to try and preserve it for the future.

And that involves not entirely depleting all its fossil fuels, and completely decimating the ozone layer.

Wind power is a fantastic way to do that.

These farms make use of something that's free, powerful and ever so annoying (those of us with long hair know most about that) and turns it into something we all need - power.

And it does it without harming the environment.

Surely those factors are incentive enough to persuade us that we need to welcome them into our lives?

There's plenty of wind around - especially here in Blighty - so why on earth don't we put it to some use?