Welsh village rejects wind farm

A small village in South Wales has changed its name in protest to a wind turbine project that could be built on the ridge next to it. Llanfynydd has changed its name to

Llanhyfryddawelllehynafolybarcudprindanfygythiadtrienusyrhafnauole for a week to protest against proposals by Spanish-owned company Gamesa Energy UK. The company wants to test the area with a view to building a wind farm above it, comprising up to 30 wind turbines. The new name means quiet beautiful village, an historic place with rare kite under threat from wretched blades following claims from villagers that, as well as being an eyesore, devaluing properties and creating noise, the turbines could seriously threaten the number of endangered red kite that nest in the area.

However, the wind turbines could actually be beneficial for the birds, according to British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) spokesperson, Alison Hill. She told edie: "Not only do red kites stand to lose 94% of their feeding ground, but 60% of all birds could become extinct due to climate change, so enhancing renewable energy sources will help to protect wildlife. We always work closely with the RSPB to ensure that wind farms do not endanger local birdlife." Ms Hill said such projects were often received with suspicion when introduced in rural areas, but residents also had many benefits to gain. "There are obvious employment opportunities and many people will feel good for making a difference, but wind farms also bring many financial benefits to people who live locally."

A spokesman for Carmarthenshire County Council confirmed that the wind farm was still just a proposal: "These are still early days. A contractor has filed a request to site a wind-speed mast to test whether the area is suitable. It is far from final."