Environmental activists are preparing to debate the pros and cons of wind farms in Addingham.

Chris Emmett, a former Hong Kong detective who lives in Gargrave, has challenged Wharfedale Friends of the Earth to back up their green arguments in a Question Time-style session at the memorial hall on Saturday, September 24.

Villagers have opposed plans by Kelda Water Services (KWS) to replace ageing wind turbines at Chelker Reservoir with new 80-metre structures, although the company is in consultations about reducing the number from three to two.

Ilkley’s Michael Baldwin will represent Wharfedale Friends of the Earth and will speak in favour of the renewable energy source.

Mr Emmett, a member of Friends of Craven Landscape which fought against wind turbines at Brightenber Hill near Skipton, said he was looking forward to an adult discussion on the issue.

“I’ve been impressed with Friends of the Earth, in fact we get on very well,” he said. “Michael has a scientific background so we both understand the importance of hard evidence.”

Mr Baldwin, who runs a consultancy business supporting scientists in research projects, said: “Wind farms are now a major way of producing energy in the UK, but there is so much misinformation about them.”

The debate will be chaired by Graham May, a former lecturer in futures research in the Faculty of Design and Built Environment at Leeds Metropolitan University, and the audience will be invited to put forward questions.

Doors open at 7.30pm. Entry is free.