AN environmental campaigner has published a hard-hitting attack on the windfarm industry.

Elizabeth Mann, 70, from Darlington, has been supported by former television presenter Noel Edmonds in her call for more debate on the technology.

But the organisation representing the industry has said opinion is already in favour of wind energy.

Mrs Mann and Mr Edmonds are concerned that windfarms are built -often in scenic locations -without proper assessments of their environmental impact.

Mrs Mann, a member of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, has written and financed Force 10, a book sent to ministers, MPs, environmentalists and pressure-groups, calling for more debate.

In 2001, she was one of seven campaigners identified by the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA), which represents the UK's windfarm companies. At an association conference in Brighton, a presentation called We Know Where You Live revealed their names.

The former teacher, who lives near Milbank Road, said: "I found that intimidating. It showed the tactics to which the pro-windfarm lobby is prepared to resort when people disagree with them."

Mrs Mann and her husband, Stanley, who died three years ago, spearheaded a group which, in the late 1990s, successfully fought plans for a windfarm on Barningham High Moor, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Mrs Mann said: "I am not against windfarms per se, but I do object to them in inappropriate locations. We need to be more questioning about whether or not the UK should be creating so many turbines."

Mr Edmonds said: "I applaud what Elizabeth has done in bringing this subject to a wider audience, and I would say to the windfarm industry, 'let us have a proper consultation'."

The Government Energy White Paper made a commitment to provide 20 per cent of energy from renewable sources by 2020, which could mean 400 more turbines in the North-East.

A Department for Trade and Industry spokeswoman said planning authorities must ensure people have the chance to comment on specific sites.

Marcus Rand, chief executive of the BWEA, said: "There is a perception that a lot of people are against wind energy but it is, in fact, a very vocal minority.

"Research shows that 75 per cent of people are supportive of the expansion of the industry."

He declined to comment on the Brighton presentation.