CAMPAIGNERS fighting against plans to build two wind turbines on the moors above Edgworth hope to raise £20,000 to cover their legal costs when the case goes before a public inquiry.

Villagers have spent more than two years protesting against the plans, and thought the campaign had been won when Blackburn with Darwen Council refused the application last October.

But applicants Angus and Julia Dootson, who live on part of Uglow Farm, have appealed to government inspectors and now a public inquiry will decide the fate of the land.

The proposals to build the two 95-metre turbines off Broadhead Valley and Moor have caused outrage among villagers, who have held several public meetings over the matter attended by up to 200 people each time.

Protesters put up 'Say No to Turbines' signs on roads and in gardens throughout the village to rally support.

And more than 100 objectors also staged a demonstration through the village.

The scheme was originally turned down by planning officials on the grounds that the wind farm would prove detrimental to the landscape.

The planning department received 603 letters objecting to the plans and just six in favour.

Top environmentalist David Bellamy joined the campaign, writing to the council on behalf of residents.

Darwen MP Janet Anderson has also formally objected to the proposals.

A spokesman for Edgworth Against Turbines said: "We're currently preparing for the public inquiry which we expect will last for three days.

"We need to raise at least £20,000 to cover the cost of our legal representation.

"When the application was turned down I think a lot of people thought that was the end of the matter. We need to raise awareness that the campaign is far from over and we need to step up a gear.

"We've had visits from people already living near wind turbines who have told us about the problems theyre now facing and I think that has only strengthened our resolve.

"This is something weve looked into. We're concerned about the detrimental effects to health and the visual impact on the landscape. If the plans are approved they will be the highest wind turbines in the country."

The public inquiry will be held at The Barlow Institute, Bolton Road, Edgworth, on Tuesday, February 28, 2006, at 10am. A fundraising auction is planned at the same venue on January, Friday 13 at 7.30pm.