Wind farm's first turbines active

A total of 18 of the 54 turbines have now been erected

One of the country's biggest offshore wind farms, off the coast of Lincolnshire, has started producing its first electricity.

When it is fully productive, the Lynn and Inner Dowsing site three miles off Skegness will produce enough power for 140,000 homes.

Altogether 18 of the 54 turbines are now erected, and this week saw the first two become active.

Alan Thompson from British Gas said the work was progressing well.

He said: "Over the course of the summer - subject to the weather of cause - we'll be completing the rest of the 54 machines."

'In for a shock'

But there are concerns for many of the people living on the Lincolnshire coast.

Councillor Colin Davies, a Conservative member of Lincoln County Council said: "I think the true impact will not be known until it's been up and operational for a while.

"But I think also for those who've retired to the coast for the peace, the tranquillity and the sea views, they're going to be in for a shock when this wind farm comes into operation."

Centrica said the other turbines would become active within a year.

There are currently 11 wind farms in Lincolnshire, with two more planned.