VILLAGERS protesting against a wind farm say they remain unconvinced that the project is safe.

Members of Trimdon Area Group Against Windfarms said an exhibition, by energy company EDF Energy at Trimdon Grange Community Centre yesterday, failed to convince them the proposals will not have an adverse effect on people.

EDF Energy is seeking permission to build the farm to provide green electricity for 3,145 homes.

It wants to create four 76m-high turbines on farmland between the Trimdons and Town Kelloe village.

Objectors say the farm will be too near to villages such as Trimdon Grange, Trimdon Station, Cassop, Quarrington Hill, Kelloe and Town Kelloe.

David Smith, from the protest group, said: "We are not against wind farms or green energy. In fact, we are all for it. What we are against is where these are going to be located.

"They are siting this in the middle of the community and it is wrong.

"It is right in the middle of five villages, which are all within a two kilometre radius.''

Mr Smith said the site was once part of Trimdon Grange Mine and residents were concerned the turbines would disturb the land and create subsidence.

He said many were worried about low frequency noise and the effect it could have on people's health.

Children from St Williams RCVA Primary School, in Trimdon Village visited the exhibition to find out about wind farms.

Headteacher Sheila Doherty said: "I am keeping an open mind. I brought the children here to see what was happening where they lived. I can see why we need renewable energy, but I can also see the environmentalists' point of view.''

A spokesperson for EDF said concerns about subsidence and low frequency noise had been investigated before the final proposals. A report on mine works is being prepared by the firm in the next ten days.

He said: "The team that has put these plans together are well aware of the mine works and our engineering consultants have looked at that specifically."