SIR — I am rather confused that Exmoor National Park has allowed the development of one of the largest wind turbines to be put on Exmoor (Free Press September 7), especially as the national park has so many planning restrictions for us who live here.

Do we want this awful intrusion here on Exmoor?

I believe onshore wind farms are a disgrace to mankind's environment, an unacceptable visual intrusion.

Look at some of the serious problems - a 300-foot turbine exploded in flames due to high winds, causing burning debris to be carried across fields, another was completely blown down, causing several homes to be evacuated, and there have been many more of these accidents which raises questions about how safe are they.

They cause endless problems, are useless when the wind doesn't blow and can be dangerous when it's too windy. What on earth is the point of them?

Wind and solar power do little to reduce carbon missions, as they need large-scale back-up to compensate for their down times, and they are subsidised by all of us.

The operational life of one is just 20 years, making them an expensive option. This renewable energy is deeply flawed.

Nuclear and gas are the most viable energy source available to avoid a capacity crisis in the future

For those wishing to reduce the many thousand wind turbines that are to be built in the future, I beg you to sign the petition which can be found online- search for HM Government e-petitions. Every signature helps!

Stephanie Oliver,

Timberscombe.