The project of a wind farm may soon completely
disfigure the battlefield of Loos-en Gohelle, a major historical site of the
Great War in the North of France.
A French private company has planned a
wind farm of 10, maybe 11 wind turbines on the territories of the towns of
Vermelles and Auchy-les-Mines. That company has taken no account of the
historical past of the site. Where thousands of young British soldiers bravely
died, the tallest wind turbines in France (636 feet tall, twice as tall as Big Ben!!!)
will soon appear. Among these, ten machines should be erected in front of the
HOHENZOLLERN REDOUBT, three near the ALONE TREE and two 400 yards away from the
FERME DES BRIQUES and the QUARRY CEMETERY.
The view
from the towers of the LOOS DUD CORNER MEMORIAL will be completely spoilt. Why
not wind farms on the Somme or Ypres battlefields? Fortunately, until now,
these historical sites have been spared. But what will happen in the future if
we let this kind of project be realized?
In spite of
the protest of a great part of the local population, especially because of the
numerous nuisances caused by these machines (the nearest ones will only be 500
yards away from the houses) the local council of Auchy - les - Mines have
agreed the building of these ugly monsters. However, today, they seem divided
and will soon vote again for or against the project. As for the town of
Vermelles, until now, they are in favour of the project. But things may rapidly
change.
Anyway, it
is the Prefect of the Nord - Pas de Calais district who will take the final
decision. Let’s remember that in 2004 the French and British mobilizations
stopped the project of a dumping ground on that very area.
Here are the
British historical sites of the Great War within one mile of the wind turbines
:
-
Memorial
Dud Corner de Loos-en-Gohelle
-
Alone
Tree de Loos-en-Gohelle
-
Haisnes
Bois Carré British Cemetery (route de Vermelles,
Hulluch)
-
Haisnes St Mary’s Advanced Dressing Station British
Cemetery (Hulluch)
-
Quarry Cemetery (Auchy-les-Mines)
-
46th (North Midland) Div (TF) Memorial 13
th Oct 1915
In fact, the
wind farm will be erected on the very site where thousands of young British
soldiers died.
We cannot permit it without protesting.
Please, help us and support our claim !!
You
can contact us at: association.dnecv@gmail.com
Sincerely,
Bruno SCHMIT
President of
association DNECV (Défense de la Nature, de l’environnement et du Cadre de Vie
d’Auchy Les Mines et ses alentours)
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