MORE than 100 people from right across Torridge came to see the red height marker balloon being flown near Shebbear on Friday, organised by Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Devon.

Torridge and West Devon MP Geoffrey Cox joined the gathering opposite Badworthy Farm, where the balloon was being flown to a height of 77m (250ft) to illustrate the scale of the wind turbine proposed there.

CPRE Devon had also prepared a list of all applications within a seven-mile radius of the Badworthy farm site, which showed 50 wind turbines.

Penny Mills, chairman of CPRE Devon, said: "This was a fantastic turnout, indicating the great strength of feeling that there is right across the district, that these industrial-sized wind turbines are unacceptable in these rural locations, being so close to people's homes.

"They are ruining the countryside, people's lives, and dividing our communities. People made many banners and placards and the red balloon could be seen for miles. It really highlighted how towering 77m is in this landscape."

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.