Christopher Fraser, MP for South West Norfolk, today called on the Government to make the benefits of wind turbines clearer to people in rural areas who are forced to live with their effects.
Christopher Fraser, speaking in a Commons debate on wind turbines, stated that South West Norfolk currently has ten wind turbines, but there are proposals for twenty-seven more, which would affect people in the constituency.
Speaking after the debate, Christopher Fraser said: “People in the constituency are not against wind turbines on principle – but they are looking to the Government to make the benefits of wind energy more tangible to them. Local residents must deal with the visual impact, noise and shadow flickers of wind turbines, yet see no concrete benefits in terms of lower energy bills. They are already paying a huge amount for heating oil and electricity because mains gas is not universally supplied in the area and, understandably, feel they are getting a raw deal.
Moreover, with twenty-seven more wind turbines in the pipeline, there are concerns that west Norfolk could end up taking more than its fair share.
I was most disappointed that the Minister did not seem to take my concern with the seriousness it deserves. He stated that confidence in the system is essential to pave the way for future developments. I cannot see how the Government are going to achieve confidence in the system if they do not work harder to bring the benefits of wind energy to local people. I will continue to press the Government on this issue. The people of Norfolk deserve better.”
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