IN THE 18th and 19th centuries, there was a vogue for the building of follies on the estates of landowners. It seems the idea has been revived in the Escrick/Skipwith area where windmills are being proposed.
However, there is a big difference between the original follies, which were usually pleasing features in the lansdscape, and the proposed wind turbines which would have a maximum working height two thirds that of Blackpool tower.
Some 30 years ago, the Selby mine winding towers were restricted to a maximum height of less than 30 metres because of their potential impact on the landscape.
As for the claims about cheap and clean energy, this is a myth perpetrated by the Government which has set unattainable targets for renewable energy sources at our expense.
The capital and associated incentive hand outs would be far better used to fund research and development of conventional energy generation, and to improve energy conversion efficiency.
It could also be used to fund energy conservation measures especially in the homes of the old and frail, the wintertime plight of whom was recently featured in this newspaper.
David Randon,
Blue Slates Close,
Wheldrake,
York.
Updated: 09:39 Wednesday, January 05, 2005
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