PEOPLE living in Spondon have told of their satisfaction that two controversial wind turbines are being tested.
The two 130-metre structures, in Megaloughton Lane, are in "idle mode" in preparation for further tests after East Midlands Airport gave them the go-ahead.
The turbines, which were installed in December, are located in a "sensitive area", according to the airport and, when switched on, appear as unidentified objects on the air traffic control display.
Ray Mellor, of Wingerworth Park Road, said: "I'm cynical about these things but I suppose the testing is better than them just standing there stagnant.
"I don't know what people will think in the village when they're fully operational."
The turbines will produce 10,000 megawatts of electricity a year – the equivalent of supplying about 3,000 homes with power.
Spondon city councillor Evonne Williams said: "It's important to test them to make sure they're safe.
"I think residents will be glad the turbines are moving after the delay, which might have annoyed them."
Dave Borrington, of Spondon, was against the turbines from the start but believes that, now they are starting to move, people might come around to them.
He said: "I do know quite a few people that do like them and always have, although I don't know why.
"I think they will be accepted and become part of the scenery."
The airport and Severn Trent Water are working together on installing new technology to solve the problem.
A spokesman for Severn Trent said: "We expect to test Winnie and Tony – Derby's wind turbines – over the coming weeks.
"We are working very closely with East Midlands Airport to do this.
"Staff at the airport have let us know that we have a window of opportunity to test the turbines safely.
"During the rest of summer and into autumn, we expect to continue testing the wind turbines for short periods of time as part of the development of an innovative new radar system, which will benefit the UK aviation and renewable energy industry.
"Our two wind turbines near Leicester and Nottingham are already working and producing renewable energy.
"When Winnie and Tony join them, all four of our turbines collectively are due to generate about 20,000 megawatt hours of electricity annually.
"That's equivalent to supplying 6,000 homes with power.
"Bringing these turbines to life will generate renewable energy for the next 25 years. We'll take the time needed to get them working safely."
Other work that needs to take place before the turbines begin sending power to the National grid includes installing lifts and motors.
