PROTESTERS against plans to build a wind turbine in Bradshaw have formed an action committee — The Bratpack.

The Bradshaw Residents Against Turbines could set up a fighting fund to help the quest to stop the turbine being built on land in Meadow Barn Field in Bradshaw.

The group has also written to Communities Secretary Eric Pickles for help.

A consultation on the controversial planning application closed last week.

More than 100 objections were made — it is not yet known when a decision will be made on the application.

And earlier this month more than 100 people objected to the proposals at the Bradshaw Area Forum — and were supported in their objections by Cllrs Stuart Haslam and Walter Hall.

Plans have been submitted by Paul Joule, of High Bank Farm, who says it will enable him to reduce the carbon emissions and energy bills of his farm and to increase self sufficiency in terms of electricity production.

The group says it is considering creating the fighting fund to enable it to carry out noise and environment survey’s, which will counter those that Mr Joule has been asked to carry out on the site.

It would also provide money for The Bratpack to hire a specialist barrister to fight the cause if Bolton Council approve the building of the turbine.

Simon Attwell, communications officer for The Bratpack, said: “We have not made a decision on this yet and we hope it won’t be necessary but if permission is granted we will need to plan our actions.

“We still feel that there has been no meaningful consultation on the issue, which is not right when nearly 1000 homes could be affected.”

“I would be very surprised if the permission is granted.”

Mr Attwell, aged 62, of Hardcastle Gardens said he has written to the Local Government and Communities Secretary Eric Pickles to ask for clarification on whether his recent reforms to give residents more say in decisions about Wind Farms would apply to this one.

“I have been told to expect a reply from Mr Pickles within 15 days and look forward to hearing what he has to say.”

The plan has been submitted with the help of Wind Turbine Project Management Services, which says “careful consideration has been given to the siting of the turbine in order to minimise any detrimental effects on the landscape”.