Wind nimbyism driving jobs out of Britain - Mick Bates AM (Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats)

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Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats <montlibdems@gmail.com>

Wind nimbyism driving jobs out of Britain - Mick Bates AM

May 5, 2009 12:00 AM

Following the news that Vestas wind turbine manufacturing plant is to close, Shadow Minister for the Environment and Sustainability Mick Bates AM has criticised the nimby attitude and lack of political drive towards the development of wind power in the UK, which is causing paralysis in the wind industry and driving investment and jobs out of Britain.

Vestas Blades UK Ltd, the world's biggest wind energy group, employs 600 people at its Isle of Wight plant to make blades for windfarms in the US and had plans to convert the factory this year to makes blades for the British market. However the boss of the Danish company recently announced that the plant will be forced to close and launched a scathing attack on 'nimbys', the planning system and lack of political initiatives in the UK which he blames for holding up the development of wind energy.

Commenting Mick states:

"In the current economic climate it is crucial that we all play our part in helping to retain jobs in the UK and stimulate our green markets, which will encourage companies to invest in emerging green businesses and industries here in Britain.

"Sadly we are seeing the opposite, with green companies being forced out of the country due to the nimby attitude of so many and the lack of political drive, which is causing paralysis in the wind industry and driving jobs and investment out of Britain.

"Vestas are the world's biggest energy group and have huge potential to help us meet our targets to produce 15% of our energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020.

"It is not too late to save the jobs of the 600 workers that Vestas currently employs, but it is crucial that we work to overcome the issues which cause such delays in the planning system and the nimby attitude which is smothering the development of wind energy.

"The Government has committed to supporting the development of low-carbon industries in the UK. Now it is time to take action, to drive ahead with firm policies that will enable the development of the wind industry, so that we can retain the current green businesses in the UK and attract new investment. This will in turn provide jobs in local communities to help people through the recession, as well as ensure that we have the industries and workforce in the UK to embrace the emerging green revolution, so that we can move ahead towards a low carbon future."

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