PRESS RELEASE

WIND FARM DEVELOPER PLAYS DOWN IMPACT ON TOURISM

KNOll to Windfarm, the Action Group set up to oppose the proposed development of a wind farm between Burnham on Sea and Brent Knoll, recently raised the issue of the risk to the local tourist industry-which is a key source of employment and wealth generation in the Sedgemoor economy- stemming from the proposals.

In response, Dale Vince of Ecotricity commented to Burnham –on- Sea.com

"The Knoll group claim surveys around the world back them up, they cite just two from the UK, the first one is not about actual tourists' views or responses and the second one is so selectively reported on as to be distorted beyond recognition. Knoll should truly be ashamed of themselves."

KNOll to Windfarm were very interested in this response.

“We are intrigued that Mr. Vince should use such emotive language- we wonder whether we have got him rattled? We note in the planning application from Mr. Vince’s organisation that the importance of tourism to the local economy is stressed, which reflects our point. That is probably why he is so worried about our argument. Mr. Vince’s company then also cites just two surveys to support his view that tourism would not be affected. One is the survey that we also referred to, the other carried out at Brean.

We would point out that, without even having seen the methodology of the survey or the questions asked, no statistician would believe that a survey of just 331 visitors to Brean would claim that this is a representative sample. The survey quoted from Scotland involved even fewer people, and its methodology has been widely discredited.

However, even if it is possible to put scepticism to one side, the surveys quoted support our position, not Mr. Vince’s; it is not the percentage of people who say they might still come to the area that is important, it is the percentage that won’t that is key. The Brean survey that is quoted in the Ecotricity submission indicates that 3.6% of tourists would visit less often. Such falls in tourist numbers and associated revenue would put the profits of local businesses at serious risk.”

Contact Andrew Manning 07765 896781