PROPOSALS for a further 65 wind turbines to be set up off the Wirral coast have been attacked as “more useless hot air”.

Denmark-based Dong Energy unveiled a scheme seeking to quadruple the size of the Burbo Bank wind farm, four miles off the coast of Wirral and Crosby.

The development would mean the off-shore plant could be capable of generating 250 megawatts of electricity - enough to power 170,000 homes.

Some 2,000 workers would be involved in the £450m construction phase of the giant turbines.

Cammell Laird would be expected to bid to win contracts for the project.

But Wirral Ukip European MP Paul Nuttall, who has long been a stern critic, said: “Wind turbines are a giant energy con trick and the only beneficiaries will be the businesses behind them - and not the public.

"It is a more useless hot air from Dong.

"The formerly fantastic view from the Wirral peninsula has already been marred by their ugly wind turbines and more will just add to this environmental vandalism.

“The plans by Dong Energy to quadruple the size of the existing wind farm - meaning another 65 monstrous turbines - are being promoted as creating jobs for 2,000 workers and providing power for another 170,000 homes.

“But I wonder just how many of those jobs will actually come to local people and the overall cost, both in financial and aesthetic terms, is far too high.”

He continued: “This is all part of EU demands for renewable energy targets to be met and nothing to do with actually solving this country’s energy needs.

“Dong Energy is going through the motions of consultations.

"But there is no doubt that they are intent on this expansion and any alterations to their plans will be merely cosmetic tinkering. "This is clear from their two-page newspaper ‘statement of community consultation’ advert."

David Elderton, ward councillor for West Kirby and Thurstaston, said: “My principle has always been that wind farms are not an efficient way to generate electricity.

"We should not allow ourselves to rely too heavily on them to power our homes.”

Dong wants to hear from people who may be affected by the farm’s extension.

The company's consultations are being held at the following times and places: May 20: Floral Pavilion, New Brighton, 12pm to 6pm; May 21: Hoylake Community Centre, Hoylake, 12pm to 6pm.

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