I support siting wind turbines at Escrick park and understand residents' concerns. If the objectors were to spend a few days living a similar distance from Eggborough, Ferrybridge or Drax power stations they would agree that a forest of wind turbines would be preferable.

Coal is no longer an acceptable fuel for power generation. Until we can discover how to handle nuclear waste safely, renewables such as wind turbines must be encouraged.

It is only by massive expansion in their use that their designs can be further refined.

The losses of horrible, dirty mining jobs is tragic for communities such as the ones I grew up in, but the age of the coal-fired power station is ending, to the great benefit of society.

Wind turbines are beautiful and a rare conjunction of art and science creating a thing of beauty and purpose.

Andy Scaife,

Suffolk House,

Lowther Terrace,

York.

Updated: 11:11 Tuesday, January 18, 2005