Jail-row wind turbine launched in Whitemoor, UK

A wind turbine in March that irritated prisoners at a top-security jail was officially opened by Mary Archer. The wife of shamed peer Jeffrey Archer visited the £1 million site 400 metres from Whitemoor prison. The turbine sparked complaints from prisoners, who moaned that sunlight reflecting off its blades was creating shadows and flickering inside their cells. At a cost of £5,000 Longhill Energy and Wind Direct, who operate the site, swiftly developed new technology that automatically switches off the turbine when the sun is at a problem angle. Managing director Martin Alder said: "We weren't so concerned about the prisoners but more about the staff who work there. They are the ones who have to deal with them on a day-to-day basis. "We are good neighbours so we helped them out and this new piece of equipment will tackle the problem." The turbine provides electricity for 4,000 local homes and "shadow-flicker" is the reason why they are not built near housing developments.

Mr Alder added: "This is the last month this year when it will be a problem. "It only happens in early spring when the sun is low but this new piece of equipment will measure and check the light and asks if it is going to produce shadow-flicker. "If the answer is yes then the turbine will be switched off until the problem has passed." The site became operational at the beginning of March. In her speech to mark the official opening, Dr Archer called for more renewable energy sites to tackle global warming. Whitemoor is home to a number of notorious criminals including Barry George, who killed television presenter Jill Dando, and road rage killer Kenneth Noye. A Home Office spokesman said: "We are happy that the company responsible for the turbine has agreed to turn it off when it is most likely to interfere with the smooth running of the prison."