A CAMPAIGN to protect the Quantock Hills from a rash of wind turbines has been kicked off by West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger.

He is to meet the Secretary of State at the Department of Trade and Industry to plead for the area the first to be officially designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to be spared.

He told the County Gazette: "I am now launching a formal campaign to save the Quantocks from having wind turbines plastered all over them.

"I want everybody who feels the same way to write to the county council or to me saying that they do not want to see wind turbines on the Quantocks."

The launch of the campaign follows Somerset County Council's controversial announcement of plans for wind turbines on its farms, including one in the Quantocks, as part of its Wind Energy Initiative.

The council wants to drive down carbon emissions while driving up production of electricity from renewable energy.

Mr Liddell-Grainger said on Tuesday: "I have absolutely no objection to wind farms.

"I am all for renewable energy and agree that we should not waste our resources.

"But you cannot go around putting up turbines wherever the fancy takes you.

"The hills are extremely beautiful. As part of our heritage they need to be protected for the country and for the future."

He added: "They are not appropriate choices for wind farms. The council has plenty of other sites to choose from, such as Ilminster, Yeovil and Frome."

Cllr Paul Buchanan, responsible for economic development, said: "We are committed to taking action to reduce the effects of climate change.

"We must support the development of secure and sustainable supplies of energy.

"The most common renewable energy available in Somerset is wind."

Write to Mr Liddell-Grainger at his Constituency Office, 16 Northgate, Bridgwater TA6 3EU, or the council at County Hall, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4DY, or e-mail via the council's website at www.somerset.gov.uk/somerset