A HEADTEACHER has moved to allay residents’ fears over plans for a 49ft wind turbine in the playground of her school in Westcliff.

Westborough Primary School wants to harness wind power to cut its electricity bill, but neighbours have voiced fears over noise.

Head Jenny Davies said the school had held a consultation over the plan, and only one person turned up to voice their fears. She said the turbine would probably make less noise than traffic.

However, neighbour Bob Evans, 57, a property developer, said: “I live in Gainsborough Drive, close to the school which has applied to put up this 15m high wind turbine in the playground.

“I and more than 80 of my neighbours are completely opposed to this project.”

Mr Evans thinks the blades of the turbine will be too noisy in high winds. He also fears if one is allowed it will set a precedent for more in the future.

He points to previous cases where turbines have been dismantled because of noise and danger.

However, Mrs Davies said: “We did publicise an open day to serve as a public consultation so any of the school’s neighbours could see what we have got in mind.

“Only one person, a member of staff from Gainsborough Drive, turned up, and as far as we know only one person is against it.

“We’re disappointed by this reaction, because people constantly say they want green technology, but seemingly not on their doorstep.

“It will probably make less noise than the traffic.”