A GANG of raiders brought work on two new windfarms to a standstill yesterday by stealing specialist equipment from a contractor's compound.

The theft should not affect the progress of the developments, in Tow Law and East Hedleyhope, County Durham, which National Windpower and Northern Electric are due to commission later this month.

Intruders cut through locks on the compound, which is about two miles east of Tow Law, between 9pm on Thursday and 7am yesterday and forced open doors on each tower, before turning their attention to a cabin inside the compound.

As well as a generator owned by a local contractor, the list of stolen property includes two-way radios, fibre optic kit, electronic levelling equipment, electric spanners, drilling machines, angle grinders, spanners, wrenches and other tools.

Climbing harnesses and waterproof clothing carrying the name Nordex are also missing.

National Wind Power said: "Although frustrating, this incident will not affect the commissioning of the windfarms, which will be complete before Christmas."

Anyone with information is asked to ring Consett police station, on (01207) 504204, or Crimestoppers, on (0800) 555111.