VILLAGERS in one of Burnley's smallest communities are preparing for a David and Goliath fight against a proposed wind farm.

Residents of Dunnockshaw on the moors above the town say United Utilities' plan to erect 12 wind turbines on picturesque moorland are out of the question.

They believe the area to be one of outstanding natural beauty which needs protection from any development.

Leading the fight against the poposed wind farm is the local parish council. They sent a petition around the village, which was signed by 96 per cent of people living there.

Parish councillor, David Latham, said: "We are not against wind farms, just the location of this one.

"United Utilities owns thousands of hectares of land in the north west, surely they could find somewhere that is not as beautiful as this. What they are proposing is not a farm -- it is an industrial estate.

"And they want to put it in an area of beautiful open moorland."

Other residents are worried about a newly planted area of woodland and the effect the 220ft turbines will have on local tourism. Ian Radcliffe moved to Dunnockshaw 12 months ago. He said: "People come up here to walk, use the reservoir to sail or windsurf and to enjoy the countryside. There are a few footpaths and a forest that has only just been planted."

Campaigners fear the turbines could even distract drivers using the main road to Rawtenstall.

But United Utilities said the area is not classed as a site of special scientific interest.

Consultations were carried out with more than 70 organisations in Burnley during a six-month period, including the RSPB.

More than 120 people attended a two day exhibition showing the plans and 3,000 leaflets were sent to local residents.

A spokesman for the company said: "The electricity generated by them would prevent the release of 31,600 tons of carbon dioxide a year, which is the main gas that contributes to global warming, the equivalent of 7,500 family cars travelling 12,000 miles per year."

The fight against the development has the backing of two local politicians - Charles Bullas, a Burnley councillor and Marcus Johnstone, a county councillor.

Coun Bullas said: "The application will be detrimental for the whole area."

Coun Johnstone said he would be offering his support and is willing to speak on their behalf at planning committee meetings.