THERE must be no let-up in the fight against the development of industrial scale wind farms – this was the message at a fundraising launch for a campaign group battling against proposals for large-scale Powys projects.

Scores of people filled the Alexandra Hall in Llangammarch Wells on Friday, September 15, for the launch of RE-think’s fundraising campaign – which collected more than £2,000.

In total, over £2,600 was raised to support the group’s fight against industrial scale wind farms and associated pylons being proposed across Mid Wales.

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Jonty Colchester, the chairman for the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW), appeared at the event as guest speaker, where he pledged the organisation’s ongoing support to oppose green energy plans.

“It has been so humbling to see how much support there is for our campaign,” said RE-think chair Jenny Chryss. 

“Many people expect their lives and livelihoods to be ruined if the proposals of Bute Energy to build massive wind farms plus a power line through the area go ahead. 

“And while others might not be directly affected, they, like me, fear the ruination of the ecology, environment and much-loved landscape for miles around.”

Sarah Jones, mayor of Llanwrtyd Wells, and Kay Coldrick, chair of Llangammarch Community Council, also attended.

Mr Colchester spoke of the importance of the RE-think campaign, and pledged CPRW’s ongoing support.

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He reminded guests of the centuries of co-operative effort that had gone into creating Mid Wales’ treasured landscapes, while also referring to the fragility of the social and economic systems that sustain it. 

Mr Chryss urged people to learn as much as possible about the proposals now, so that they could make an informed response to any future planning applications.

“While thrilled with the support shown on Friday night, RE-think stresses the need to keep building up the fighting fund,” said Jenny.

“We must also collect more signatures for the petition. We require 10,000 to stand a chance of triggering a debate in the Senedd.”

The petition can be signed by visiting https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245471. It currently has just over 2,500 signatures.

 

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Jenny added: “I can’t thank people enough for the effort they have made."

A fundraising auction saw items sold including Wales v France Six Nations rugby tickets, vouchers for meals and spa treatments at a local hotel, a Welsh overland safari, and a three-night break at a holiday cottage in Pembrokeshire. 

There was also a raffle, with a bar and light refreshments provided by volunteers.

The campaign can be contacted via email on rethinkwales@gmail.com.