Backers of a ‘stop the wind turbines’ campaign in East Cambs claim an energy company is using the summer holidays to stifle opposition.

REG Windpower wants to build three 125 metre (410 feet) high turbines on Berry Fen, Haddenham.

But The Stop Berry Fen Wind Farm believes many objectors will still be on holiday when the consultation period runs out on August 14.

“They have deliberately timed their submission to ensure the public consultation period coincides with school holidays when many residents will be away,” said a campaign spokesman.

“If erected, the turbines will generate little power in one of the least windy parts of the country and will cause noise and health issues for at least 500 neighbouring homes in Aldreth and Haddenham.

“They will kill rare birds including Bewick’s swans, Whooper swans, hobby, marsh harrier, turtle dove, willow warbler, cuckoo, barn owl, little owl, golden plover, lapwing, corn bunting and skylark, as well as insects and butterflies.”

The spokesman added: “Their construction will dump over 22,400 tonnes of building materials on the fen (excluding the turbines themselves) and they will be visible to hundreds of thousands of people.

“The company’s own maps show they will be visible as far south as Shelford, west as Grafham, north as March and east as Mildenhall. They will be highly visible to those living in Aldreth, Haddenham, Earith, Sutton, Witchford, Stretham, Wilburton, Cottenham, Rampton and Willingham, and many thousands of people will be affected.”

REG, that began life as the Cornwall Light and Power Company, said the turbines would serve nearly 4,000 homes with renewable energy.

The company says the project will also ensure East Cambs Council meets its renewable energy targets and will reduce the impact locally of climate change.