WITH regard to the proposed wind farm, we continue to hear from the developer about economic advantages to the local area.

Our own calculation was that the cost of wind farms costs would exceed benefits by an unacceptable £6 billion.

To take just one example, his claim for 1,700 jobs is extremely shaky.

First, it is the “high employment scenario.” the much more likely medium and low scenarios give equivalent figures of 200 jobs and 55 jobs only.

Second, 1,700 is the peak number that would apply for one year; over the project life the number is 380.

Third, the high scenario assumes that expensive, job-creating gravity concrete foundations would be constructed in a new purpose-built facility. However, this type of foundation is unlikely because it has not been used anywhere else in the UK.

Fourth, the peak number (for one year only) includes supply chain jobs to support the direct jobs. Neither the direct jobs nor the less certain “support jobs” would be fully local; more likely they would be temporary workers moving in from elsewhere or foreign factory workers.

I think A much more realistic estimate for local jobs would be around 200, to set against the 5,000 jobs expected to be lost in tourism.

BILL HOODLESS

Deputy chairman, Poole and Christchurch Bays Association