The recently formed Borders Network of Conservation Groups stands accused
of being “undemocratic and clandestine” by a Coldingham man who was there
from the start.

Conservation groups from across the Borders joined forces to form the new
network in order to protect the area’s landscape, particularly although not
solely, from wind farms. However, less than two months on a split seems to
have appeared amongst those involved.

George Matthews, a retired Scottish Office chief building standards advisor
and vehement opponent of the Drone Hill wind farm on Coldingham Moor,
attended the first meeting of the Borders wide group but was unaware of
further meetings when an executive was formed.

He is now challenging the group’s claim to represent the Borders area when
they have not consulted “all the people that were initially involved”.

Asking who elected the wind farm executive group, Mr Matthews said: “I was
the Coldingham representative and suddenly without any discussion I am no
longer required at Borders Network meetings.

“Is this a matter of east Berwickshire being left out again?”

A Borders Network spokesperson replied: “As a Borders-wide organisation we
are stepping up the campaign to safeguard the enormous value that the
Borders landscape brings to the area’s economy, culture, recreation and
ecology.

“We have already engaged constructively with elected members and officials
of both national and local government, and improved communication and
cooperation between our member groups. Membership is open to groups and
individuals who are interested in helping the network fulfil its purpose
and achieve its aims, and who are willing to abide by these and the rules
of the network.

“Our executive group is not intended to have geographical cover but it so
happens that we do appear to have pretty good coverage of the Borders,
including east Berwickshire.

Mr Matthews responded: “It is my opinion due to the undemocratic, secret,
clandestine way in which the so called ‘Borders Network’ has been set up it
does not represent the people of the Borders. I am also unhappy with the
lack of progress and time it has taken to commence the fight against the
Borders wind farms.

“Given the lack of urgency one would be justified in thinking that the
group has a hidden agenda and may even represent the wind farm developers.”

However, chair of the Borders Network, John Williams, said: ” The biggest
threat is coming from the rush to erect as many wind farms as possible
before subsidies are reduced in 2017. Developers appear to have no concern
for the devastating effect that increasing numbers of ever-larger wind
turbines have on our landscape.”


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