SADLY, by opposing Eneco’s plans for a Meteorological Mast in Poole Bay, Bournemouth Council’s elected members are once again demonstrating their total lack of true commitment to sustainable development and carbon reduction. These are the same councillors that have apparently committed to robust targets for cutting carbon emissions in the Borough! In recent years Bournemouth Council has made some significant decisions to move towards a more sustainable Bournemouth.

This includes being the first council to sign up to the Earth Charter; looking at positive ways of reducing the town’s carbon footprint and pledging to meet the Government’s targets for obtaining energy from renewable sources.

They thereby accept the need to move away from the reliance on fossil fuels as outlined in the recently published Dorset, Bournemouth & Poole Renewable Energy Strategy that Bournemouth councillors have approved.

This makes a strong commitment to obtaining energy from renewables including wind power.

These steps are welcome but they are meaningless if they are not followed up with positive actions.

There has to be more joined up thinking where the sustainability impact is seriously considered in all key decisions and addressed, something that isn’t currently happening.

The evidence of the negative effect of wind turbines on tourism is unproven.

In fact there are a number of reports that consistently show that fears about the possible negative impact are unfounded.

It is time for Bournemouth councillors to put their personal views to one side and look at the big picture, considering all the facts before reaching a conclusion.

Wind energy is not the total answer but it is part of a sustainable solution to the inevitable energy crisis the world is facing.

ANGELA POOLEY East Dorset Friends of the Earth