I understand the concerns of Horspath people about a wind turbine close to the BMW car plant (Oxford Mail, January 14), but I don’t share those worries.

Wind power is a cheap, quiet, pollution-free and renewable energy for the future.

With the prices of oil and gas rocketing, and significant drawbacks to coal and nuclear energy, Oxford city would be irresponsible not to invest in wind energy.

I am convinced wind energy must be part of the mix for our future energy needs. Other countries are investing heavily in wind power and Britain must not be left behind.

My own view is that turbines are really elegant. And, yes, I’d love to have one close to my house providing electricity for my family and my neighbours.

Partnership for Renewables (PfR) is ready to put up a test mast. If it is a success, PfR will make a planning application for a proper wind turbine to produce electricity for as many as 2,400 homes in Oxford or for the car plant.

I hope people in the Oxford area will be able to point to our first full-scale wind turbine with pride.

It is a small practical step that will make a real contribution to the urgent task of tackling climate change.

John Tanner, Board Member for a Cleaner Greener Oxford, Oxford city and Oxfordshire county councillor, Sunningwell Road, Oxford