A COUPLE whose plans for a windfarm in a Bolton village were turned down have appealed against the decision.

Villagers spent 12 months fiercely protesting against the plans to build two 95 metre-high turbines on land off Broadhead Moor, Edgworth.

They thought they had won their campaign when Blackburn with Darwen Council refused the application in October. Councillors said the scheme was not in keeping with the area.

But now the applicants have appealed to government inspectors over that decision.

Angus and Julia Dootson, who live on part of Uglow Farm, want the right to build two wind turbines, a temporary mast, ancillary equipment and tracks on their land.

Cllr Colin Rigby, who represents Edgworth, said: "This is really disappointing because vast amounts of work went into proving these wind turbines are not suitable for Edgworth. The grounds for refusal on environmental grounds have not changed.

"Blackburn with Darwen Council went through a long and lengthy process when considering this windfarm and came to the conclusion that it was not suitable.

"We will fight to the very end to stop this windfarm and we will rally for the cause yet again."

One of the objectors Kathryn Rogers, of Edgworth, said: "We always knew there would be a chance they would appeal and they are exercising their right to do so.

"We'll reignite the fire and get the troops going again to fight these proposals which do not belong in our village."

Darwen MP Janet Anderson supported the villagers in their fight.

During their campaign, protesters marched through the village with banners and placards encouraging people to say no to the development.

Mr and Mrs Dootson submitted their planning application after being approached by UK wind farm owner, developer and operator National Wind Power in a government-backed scheme called WindWorks.

Members of the public are welcome to express their views on the plans by writing to: the Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/25 Hawk Ring, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN.

Three copies of each letter must be submitted by April 5. Quote reference 10/03/0689.