Protesters against a proposed wind farm have set up a “fighting fund” to pay for experts to fight their corner.
Stop West Pinchbeck Wind Farm group is asking residents who would be affected by plans to build nine 125m high turbines in Delph Bank to contribute around £40 towards the £8,000 it needs to fight an initial planning application by developers Wind Ventures Ltd.
But if the plan for the turbines is turned down and Wind Ventures appeals, it is feared the cost of the group’s battle could top £40,000.
One of the group’s founders Sue Blake said: “We need the money for professional help we need to fight the plans.
“We need people who know what they are talking about to refute the claims by the developers about the noise and effects on the landscape and wildlife.
“We need to fight their experts with our own.
“Unfortunately that all costs money, so we are asking everyone to give what they can for a fighting fund. Fighting the plans through the district council level will cost about £8,000 and we have already had some pledges.
“But if it goes to appeal it could cost a lot more. We’ll just have to cross that bridge when we come to it.”
Mrs Blake said the campaign to prevent the turbines being built had the backing of many in the village of West Pinchbeck and surrounding area, with 40 people attending a meeting in November to discuss the way forward.
And although a planning application has not yet been submitted to South Holland District Council, Mrs Blake said work was going on to ensure the group was able to respond effectively when it did.
It has most recently rallied residents to oppose an application for a mast to be put on the proposed wind farm site to gather weather data.
Mrs Blake added: “The full application could come at any time. We need to be ready.”