CAMPAIGNERS have set up a crowdfunding appeal to help finance their legal battle against the construction of a 24,000 solar panel farm in the Severn Vale.

The protest group ’Say No to Elton Solar’ hopes to raise £3,000 to pay for its barrister to argue the case against Wessex Solar’s proposed 20-acre site at Cowles Farm near Westbury-on-Severn.

The proposals were rejected by Forest of Dean District Council planners in October last year but the renewable energy firm has since appealed the decision and a public hearing will take place in Coleford.

Simon Murray, spokesperson for the group, said they are confident about its chances on winning the appeal and added: “We are pleased the hearing will be held in public and local residents can air their views to the inspector.

“The barrister we have employed has been very helpful and we are looking to raise £3,000 for work done up to now for the appeal.

“We’ve had a lot of local interest. If people feel strongly about defending the countryside we would love for them to give whatever they can to help.

“We are confident that we have a good chance of winning but we called in the help of a barrister in order to be able to put forward the strongest case possible.”

For more information on the funding appeal visit www.crowdjustice.co.uk/case/saynotoeltonsolar .

PIC CAPTION: CAMPAIGNERS: Say No to Elton Solar group as theyt canvas the public in Westbury.