IF the wind turbines planned for Escrick are as big as some of our local power stations could they not have been built in the same areas ("Wind Power", February 11)?

A local eyesore already exists so the aesthetic impact would be reduced (although I would still feel sorry for those having to live near them). I assume it would also be possible to utilise the existing access to the power grid thus maybe saving some installation costs.

Some years ago, I saw figures suggesting that, for many wind turbines, the anticipated power output in their planned lifetime was often less than the total energy used to build and install them in the first place.

I am sure modern designs are far better - but by how much?

D A Waring,

Spexard,

Farlington,

Easingwold.

Updated: 10:14 Monday, February 21, 2005