MORE than 100 residents are backing a campaign against plans for three 130-metre high wind turbines.

Dozens of concerned families went to an exhibition of Severn Trent Water's proposals for Aston Hall Farm, near Stone, on Saturday.

Members of the Campaign Against Aston Hall Wind Farm were outside Aston-by-Stone Village Hall collecting signatures.

They claim noise from the turbines – which are planned between the villages of Aston-by-Stone and Burston – could spark tinnitus, sleep disturbance and migraines, while property values will drop by up to 30 per cent and wildlife will be disrupted.

Keith Washington, aged 44, who lives 600 metres from the proposed site, said: "When I heard about the plans I did some research and realised what a terrible thing this would be.

"Not only do they cause noise and health problems, they reduce house prices, are not very effective and are about making money.

"About 1,500 homes are within two kilometres of the site and if we all join together we hope to stop it happening."

Fellow campaigner Angela Tams, aged 66, of Laurel Farm, Burston, said: "Renewable energy has to be a good thing but there's a right place and a wrong place.

"There should be Government guidelines on how far away turbines have to be from homes."

Anne Brookes, aged 65, of Butterfield, Burston, said: "There's enough land without putting them near people's homes."

Severn Trent plans to submit a planning application for a test pole on the site next month.

Officials say environmental studies and noise monitoring investigations will also be carried out.

The 60-metre high pole will collect wind data for up to two years, while the company decides whether to apply for permission for the turbines.

At 130 metres, each turbine would be almost as tall as Blackpool Tower, and more than six times as high as the Angel of the North.

Martin Dent, Severn Trent's renewable energy development manager, pictured below, said: "Studies suggest any reduction in house prices in the early years evens out when the turbines become an accepted part of the local environment, so we don't expect long-term effects.

"We are trying to help the environment. That is our priority."