Gone with the wind!

WARRINGTON’S first major wind turbine has been switched off for health and safety reasons.
The 25-metre high installation at the North West Development Agency’s headquarters was launched in April 2008 and hailed as a positive contribution to the town’s green credentials.
But it was switched off last month after a similar mast suffered damage during high winds.
The Warrington mast has been switched off as a pre-cautionary measure pending health and safety tests but is expected to be switched back on in the near future.
The state-of-the-art turbine at Renaissance House, in Centre Park, feeds directly into the NWDA’s electrical supply and provides a Co2 emission saving of 9,675 per year.
Statistics relating to the energy generated are displayed on an interactive monitor in the reception area at the NWDA.
NWDA Chief Executive Steven Broomhead said: “During very high winds one similar turbine spun out of control and as a result ours has been switched off pending health and safety investigations.
“This was purely a precautionary measure and I fully expect to see it switched back on in the very near future.
“The turbine is a real symbol of the Agency’s commitment to helping sustain the North West’s future energy requirements.”
The Wind Turbine was supplied by Scottish firm Proven Energy, a company with more than 30 years experience.
Installed by Cumbrian company Wind Turbine Services, the turbine has been erected due west in order to benefit from optimum wind movements.