A WIDOW whose husband was killed on the A38 near Rooksbridge says a proposed wind farm near the village would distract motorists.

Pat Ireland’s husband, Gordon, was killed when he was hit by a car while crossing the busy road in his home village of Rooksbridge in 2008.

She now runs the Lights for Life charity, which raises money for safety improvements on the A38.

Last night (January 14) Pat gave evidence at a public inquiry into Sedgemoor District Council’s rejection of plans by Broadview Energy to build four 130m turbines at Pilrow Farm near the village.

Pat, who spoke during a public session on Tuesday, told the Weekly News: “This development would have an adverse impact on wildlife and our landscape but my primary concern is about road safety.

“The turbines will be a distraction to drivers and can be seen from the A38 and the M5, which have already seen many accidents.

“During the construction of the wind farm, which I’ve heard will be about 11 months, there will be increased HGV movements bringing aggregate along the A38 for the development. This will put more strain on the road surface while increasing vehicle movements along an already dangerous road.”

Pat said speaking at the meeting was difficult, as the anniversary of Gordon’s death fell recently, on January 4.

She added: “These planners don’t know how road accidents affect people. I saw the light go out in my husband’s eyes when he was hit so, to me, the danger is very real.”

A Broadview spokesman said the plans have been examined by highway bosses, who have raised no objections.

He added: “The volume of construction traffic, whilst inevitably leading to an increase in numbers, is within acceptable tolerances and will only occur over a relatively short space of time.

“We are therefore confident that the presence and construction of the Pilrow wind farm will not compromise highway safety in any way.”