I HAVE read with interest the debate in the Echo on wind farm technology and its impact upon Bournemouth. I would like to reflect the position from Poole’s perspective.

We acknowledge that natural resources are diminishing and that every opportunity must be sought to identify alternative energy supplies. I am not personally against wind farm technology.

I believe that examples exist of this technology being in place off the coasts of Holland and Blackpool – where the turbines are so far off shore that they can’t be seen. Therefore it is vital that we strive to achieve that for any potential wind farm off the Dorset coast.

All local authorities are statutory consultees and the final decision will be made by Government as to where any wind farm may be situated but, worryingly, we have been led to believe that the final decision and project design will be made post-government consent.

To date we feel information has been inconsistent and different information has been given to different audiences.

Therefore leaders of coastal councils across Dorset and the MPs of Dorset’s coastal constituencies have come together to agree a co-ordinated response as statutory consultees. Our MPs will feed back to ministers our concerns and Eneco are to be advised that the coastal councils will no longer meet with them alone that we will in future meet with them collectively as a consortium of coastal local authorities.

We will expect a co-ordinated response to questions that have been asked, and are so far unanswered, on data and visual impact, height, density etc.

Wind farm technology off our Jurassic Coast could impact not only on tourism but on Dorset’s shipping lanes, our world class sailing programmes etc so we must ensure impacts on our local economy are minimised.

I would therefore like to reassure the residents and organisations in Poole, around Poole Bay and Dorset’s coastline that your local councils are working hard to ensure that any alternative energy schemes offer the best in opportunities, jobs and amenity value as well as providing energy for the residents around Poole Bay, Purbeck and the Jurassic Coast.

CLLR ELAINE ATKINSON, Leader of the Council, Borough of Poole