THE CO-OP is investing £100,000 in Watchfield's new wind farm.

Bosses at the Oxford, Swindon and Gloucester Co-op decided to back the scheme because it fits in with their cooperative principles.

The farm, being built on a disused airfield at Westmill Farm, will be owned and run by local people.

Neil Homer, the Co-op's head of corporate development, said: "We hope this project will encourage other people to bring forward projects for all types of renewable energy, not just wind farms.

"Our society has a commitment to increasing its own use of renewable energy in the coming years.

"Whilst we understand that not everyone likes wind farms, we believe they play an important role in meeting our future energy needs and combating climate change."

Farmer Adam Twine finally began work on the five-turbines in June after a bitter 10-year battle to get planning permission.

The 160ft towers - the height of Nelson's Column - will cost £3.5-million to build, and eventually supply 2,500 nearby homes with green power.

Mr Twine said: "Having the Co-op on board is a great boost to the scheme, and a positive signal of the society's commitment to a sustainable future for everyone."

It costs a minimum of £250 to join the cooperative.

Each member will have an equal say in how the business is run, regardless of how much they have invested, and seven directors will be drawn from the local community.