CRANES and specialist construction equipment will pass through Southminster ahead of the first turbine deliveries to a controversial wind farm.

RES is taking deliveries of the equipment to Turncole Wind Farm on July 4 and July 8.

The specialist apparatus is needed to unload the turbine parts from vessels on the River Crouch and then to construct the turbines.

A convoy of vehicles will travel down the B1018 and then travel down Pantile Hill, High Street, Station Road, Hall Road and Marsh Road.

It will take place on both days between 11am and 2pm.

RES are asking people to avoid parking in High Street and Station Road in order for the convoy to pass through quickly and smoothly.

Seven vehicles will travel on the Monday and four vehicles on the Friday.

Tracy Scott, Project Manager for RES’ Turncole Wind Farm said: “To enable the turbines to be offloaded and erected safely, a number of cranes and associated equipment will need to pass through Southminster on Monday 4 July and Friday 8 July between 11am and 2pm.

“To enable the vehicles to travel through the narrow streets of central Southminster, we would be grateful if local residents would avoid parking on Station Road and Southminster High Street during these times to enable the convoys to travel through the town as quickly and safely as possible.”

The seven new turbines will still stand within the 126.5m height limit and will generate 17.5 megawatts.

They are expected to be delivered during the summer.