PROTESTERS have vowed to fight tooth and nail to stop 30 wind turbines being built a mile off the coast at Redcar.

More than 70 residents, many representing local community organisations, gave the proposed 450ft-high turbines a resounding thumbs down at a meeting chaired by Vera Baird MP on Saturday.

A campaign committee was formed to oppose the plans and to collect a petition.

EDF Energy wants to build the wind farm in a 10sq km box, 1km off the middle of Redcar beach.

One resident said: "The site is ridiculous. It breaks all the rules and will ruin our town."

Mrs Baird pointed out that when the Redcar proposal was considered in the first two rounds of possible sites, it was recommended that no turbines be built within 7km of the shore.

She said: "Anyone who looks at the impact this industrial installation will have on Redcar's sands and sea view will understand why it must not come.

"One and a half kilometres offshore is ridiculous."

She added: "This wind farm offers not a single job, not a unit of cheaper electricity, nor an item of work for the town's steelworks."

Residents accused the developer of "profiteering at the expense of the people".

One man, who is an engineer, said the site had been chosen because it was cheaper to cable electricity a short distance.

He also raised concerns over noise, interference with water sports and the possible danger to passing ships.

Another major concern was the possible damage to wildlife.

A spokesman for the Teesmouth Bird Club said migratory birds passed along a narrow corridor close to the shore and would not be able to see the movement of sails, which rotate at speeds of nearly 100mph.

He said: "The nearest turbine should be 13km offshore. This proposal puts 30 in the centre of this corridor and will butcher thousands of precious birds."

The proposal has already gained an option for a licence from the Crown Estates and, if approved, work could start next year.

EDF Energy expects to receive the results of an assessment on the impact on birds, sea life, the environment and the community this month, when it will apply for consent from the Department of Trade and Industry.