we want a wind farm

A SCHOOL could power itself if plans for a wind turbine prove successful.

Blenheim Primary School, in Leigh, is applying for permission to put up a 15m mast with wind turbine on the school grounds.

It is further proof of the school’s commitment to the environment since it joined the Eco-Schools programme, which promotes teaching children about the environment.

The programme also encourages schools to adopt a turbine for their energy needs.

Allison Ellis, spokeswoman for Eco-Schools, said: “The school could become self-sustainable when it comes to electricity.

“One wind turbine can provide enough electricity required for one school.

“If it produces more than they need, they could even sell it back to the national grid. It depends on their location and how much wind there is.

“There are already a number of schools where a wind turbine produces all the energy they need.”

Ms Ellis said a turbine was great for education.

She said: “Children have to learn there is a limit to the valuable resources on our earth and the importance of looking at renewable energy sources.

“A wind turbine is a fantastic way to do it.”

Small wind turbines are becoming more popular as a way to produce electricity.

Marks and Spencer, in High Street, Southend, plan to install three wind turbinea on their roof as part of its ongoing refurbishment.

In 2004, Rayleigh man David Nisbet broke the mould when he became the first person in south Essex to install a 9m wind turbine in his yard to power his home.

Standing tall - the nine-metre-high wind turbine in David Nisbet's Rayleigh garden has raised a few eyebrows in the neighbourhood Picture: ROB WELHAM

Well, blow me down!

By STEVE BLAAKMAN

Blade runner - chartered engineer David Nisbet hopes the wind turbine he has installed in his garden will supply all his home's electricity needs Picture: DAVE HENDERSON

AS talking points, go, you could do worse than put up a nine-metre-high wind turbine in your garden.

David Nisbet raised a few eyebrows when he had the £15,000 structure erected at the beginning of the week at his home in Downhall Park Way, Rayleigh.

The chartered engineer, 46, said he supported renewable energy and hoped by having a turbine he could help to raise awareness about it.

But Mr Nisbet admitted it had already sparked debate among his neighbours. He said: “Two of my neighbours have been very positive. Both of them were very enthusiastic. But I’m sure there are people who can’t stand it.

“I’m trying to help educate people about what will happen when energy sources run out. A wind turbine will be good for everyone.”

Mr Nisbet said he was satisfied with the way the turbine was working so far, and he hoped it would eventually generate enough to supply all the electricity and heating for his bungalow.

He said: “It seems to be working all right. It’s performing as expected.

“At the moment it looks like it’s going to deliver for the heat needs, as well.”

There were other benefits to having the standout structure, as well – long-term savings, Mr Nisbet said. He estimate the turbine would save him £1,000 a year in electricity and heating.

If that turned out to be the case, it would take only 15 years for it to pay for itself.

The turbine has raised concerns among some neighbours, who worry about its visual impact and possible noise. Others say it doesn’t bother them.

Kerry Auger, of Downhall Park Way, said: “It doesn’t really affect us. It’s not causing us any sort of disturbance. We’re not against him having it here.

“You can hear it if it’s very quiet outside, but you can’t hear it from inside.

“It’s bigger than I thought it would be, but we only really see part of the blades from our top windows.”

Another neighbour, Kim Dogrell, 40, was also a little put off by the size of the structure, commenting: “It seems extremely big, considering it is just to serve one bungalow.”