A DEMONSTRATION group took to the streets of Ulverston to support the continual operation of Kirkby Moor wind farm.

The wind farm, one of the oldest in the UK, began operating in 1993, but its future remains uncertain.

The 12 turbines between Broughton and Ulverston have caused a lot of controversy, with Kirkby Moor Protectors (KMP) campaigning to stop the renewal of the existing wind farm and the installation of a new windfarm.

In December 2017, South Lakeland District Council denied Ventient Energy permission to extend the lifespan of the wind farm until 2027 with six councillors to five voting to block the proposal.

The company appealed the decision, saying continued use of the turbines would be beneficial to the community and the country’s green energy sector.

A public inquiry will be held at the Coronation Hall on January 22 to decide its fate.

Yesterday, demonstrators gathered outside the Coronation Hall to show their support for the wind farm, which they claim is important for the environment.

Peter Howlett, a member of the Green Party’s Ulverston branch, said Kirkby Moor wind farm was a vital asset to nearby communities.

A petition has been launched to keep the turbines and has more than 120,000 signatures to date.

Mr Howlett said: “The aim of the petition is to hopefully keep the current wind turbines in place after the planning application for more efficient ones was turned down.

“We should be encouraging renewable energy to reduce emissions and wind turbines do that.

“It’s ridiculous that people would want them taken down just because of how they look.

"I personally try to encourage people to look at them as a thing of beauty.”

John Hudson, of Broughton, a spokesman for KMP, previously said: “We will be providing evidence to help protect this wonderful skyline landscape."

He added: "We will show the turbines are as unwelcome today as when they were imposed on this community 25 years ago.”