AN MP says a town's coastline will be at risk if a proposed windfarm goes ahead.

EDF Energy wants to build a windfarm half a mile off Coatham Sands, Redcar, east Cleveland, with 30 400ft turbines capable of generating enough energy to power 72,000 homes.

But Redcar MP Vera Baird said that the windfarm could pose a serious threat to town's beach, an issue highlighted in an environmental impact report, commissioned by EDF.

She said the report, which is being examined by the Department of Trade and Industry, warns the beach could be reduced because of the way the power station turbines will interrupt the waves.

Ms Baird said: "The report says there is an 'undoubted risk' that sediment usually brought down to Redcar beach from Coatham sand will be much reduced.

"No other windfarm, real or proposed, is as near to the shore as they would like to build this one, for cheapness, and so no other town faces such a threat," she said.

But a spokesperson for EDF said the risk referred to in the report was theoretical and the effect of a windfarm on the beach sediment was uncertain.

"If this project goes ahead, the company has committed to ongoing beach monitoring to ensure that if any sediment drift does take place, action can be taken immediately to correct it.

"The consultation process in Redcar is still underway, and we continue to listen to the views of the people who live there."