THE COMPANY behind a proposed wind farm development near New Cumnock are set to offer a share in the turbines to local communities.

Peel Energy hope to build a nine turbine development on the site of a former opencast mine at Garleffan, sited between New Cumnock and Cumnock.

The company are proposing offering the community a share worth up to half a turbine which would allow groups to benefit directly from the profits of the wind farm.

Peel Energy would build, operate and maintain the community owned turbine - and say they would work with an organised community body to share out the money.

The move has been met with praise from local councillor Eric Ross who has said he believes that people should be allowed to feel a sense of ownership of the turbines.

He said: "I think it's very important that there is a form of direct community involvement with the wind farm companies.

Annette Lardeur, Project Manager for Peel Energy, said: "When consulting with the local communities and meeting with their representatives, we received a clear message that communities want a tangible connection between the wind farms proposed near where they live, and the benefit to them."

For the full story, see this week's Chronicle.