Following last week’s incidents where a wind turbine in Ayrshire went on fire and another in Berwickshire was blown over during high winds, local MP David Mundell has called for safety checks on existing turbines and confirmation that both they and any new turbines have the capacity to withstand high winds.
Mr Mundell has written to the Health and Safety Executive and planning authorities calling on them to make the necessary reassurances to local people and if they are not able to do so then to take whatever action is required.
Mr Mundell said: “I know many local people who are like me are very concerned that during last week’s high winds a turbine burst into flames in Ayrshire and another one blew over in the Borders. I want to be absolutely sure that these very large structures can withstand high winds and that there is no danger to the public.
“Most windfarms sites are, if not near houses, very close to roads and rail network and we need to be confident that there isn’t going to be a repeat of the incidents that we saw last week. We have one of the largest concentrations anywhere in the UK of windfarm developments in this area and we need to be confident that they are structurally sound.
“That is why I have asked the Health and Safety Executive and planning authorities to confirm that they are satisfied with the safety structural integrity of the turbines and that all necessary checks are taking place after last week’s incidents.”