Windfarm goes to work

Three of the 12 new wind turbines whose components clogged up roads through Welshpool during the summer have started generating power at the Tirgwynt Wind Farm between Carno and Cefn Coch.

Traffic was affected for more than two months as the giant components were transported from the north of England to the Montgomeryshire countryside.

And last night the owners Awel Newydd Cyf announced that all 12 were now erected with the first quarter getting to work.

Andy Black, Director, Awel Newydd Cyf, said: “Our local contractors have been doing an excellent job, and it’s inspiring to see the turbines spinning and contributing to Wales’ renewable energy targets, cutting carbon emissions and helping keep the lights on.

“All construction works have been carried out with careful consideration for the habitats, vegetation and wildlife in the area.

Residents are also set to benefit from Community Trust Funds totalling £49,200 for the communities both in the vicinity of the wind farm and along the turbine delivery route.

The Trusts are in the process of being set up and will disburse grants from early next year.

This fund will be open to applications from residents of the seven communities along the delivery route for the first five years: Castle Caereinion, Carreghofa, Llanymynech & Pant, Llandrinio & Arddleen, Llandysilio, Llanfair Caereinion and Welshpool. After that it will be opened up to also include grant applications from the wider community of Montgomeryshire.

Pupils at local primary schools have also been invited to enter a turbine-naming competition. The 12 schools choosing the winning names will each receive £100 to spend on books and a visit for each winning pupil’s class to see the wind farm in the summer. The competition is open until the end of the Autumn term, with the winning names due to be chosen early next year.