Last updated at 10:01, Wednesday, 24 June 2009

COUNCILLORS have refused to let a school press ahead with a plan for a wind turbine because of fears it will kill bats.

Askam Village School had asked Barrow Borough Council for permission to install a 11.7-metre tall turbine in the school grounds, about 40 metres from Lots Road.

But Natural England, the government agency responsible for bat conservation, objected and urged the council not to allow it.

The agency claimed a big group of small, insect-eating bats live nearby and it was worried they’d accidentally kill themselves by flying into the turbine’s blades.

The council’s own advisors also said the proposed turbine shouldn’t be allowed because it “could have a detrimental impact on local bat populations”.

On Tuesday, the council’s planning committee followed the recommendations and refused the school’s application.

Acting headteacher of the school, Gina Brierley, who has only been in post since September and is due to leave yesterday, was unavailable for comment.

But before Tuesday’s decision, Mrs Brierley had said she was not aware of the bats issue and stressed the school had no wish to harm wildlife.

First published at 11:48, Saturday, 20 December 2008
Published by http://www.askamlocal.co.uk