Oh what a lovely view of the new St.Briavels wind turbine as you come along East Street towards the crossroads!

On our return from holiday at the weekend on drawing back the curtains the following morning we were met with a full-on view of the turbine, which had been erected whilst we had been away.

We knew at some point one was going to be erected, having been to the public representation of the company's proposals and had asked in-depth questions on its positioning as we live on the outskirts of the village on the road leading to the site.

We were assured it would not affect us and our neighbours where we are and that the turbine would be positioned more down in the valley of the field. Also stated within the minutes of the St. Briavels Parish Council meeting on August 16, 2010, a company representative distributed photographic representation to indicate that even from the highest part of the village the visual impact would be minimal. We live at the lowest point and are hit full-on with the visual impact!

We have nothing against wind turbines in the appropriate places but it seems from what has happened to us that although they are not allowed in areas where birds and wildlife would be jeopardised, the same cannot be said for taking into consideration the people who reside in the area.

Do we want these wind turbines spoiling the landscape in our beautiful Forest of Dean, as we notice there are plans afoot to make planning application at four other local locations.

Will this escalate and spoil the landscape for future generations? Before we know where we are there will be more wind turbines than trees! As we all know, what starts out as one, in time to come can end up with a complete wind turbine farm!

Council planners are quick to reject applications where a building does not blend in with the environment and yet approve these monstrosities which blot the landscape. In future will our area be known as Turbine Dean instead of Forest of Dean?!

Is it worth it for the small amount of renewable energy produced, destroying our beautiful landscape which we are so fortunate enough to live in?

Up to now, visitors have come to St. Briavels to see its castle. In future will they be coming to see the wind turbine which seems to have created a lot of interest?

Remember, we campaigned long and hard to keep our beautiful ancient Forest of Dean. Don't now let wind turbines creep in only to spoil it.

We plead with Forest of Dean residents 'Stop the wind turbines before they escalate.'

– Name and address supplied.