A 2,000-NAME petition calling for a referendum on a proposed windfarm was handed in to Blaenau Gwent council.

Last week, the Argus reported that a councillor was calling for the plans for up to 30 turbines on a site bordering Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen to be scrapped.

Cwmtillery's Mark Holland said that people in Blaenau Gwent were "sick of unpopular industrial projects being dumped here".

Now fellow councillor Glyn Smith says he has been given a petition signed by thousands demanding a vote on the issue.

Councillor Smith said: "These people are not all necessarily against the proposal, they are just calling to be given the choice.

"Obviously there would be a cost in organising a vote, but that's something we will have to look at.

"I think we all need more information about what these proposals will actually mean for the community."

The petition was organised by Abertillery resident Roy Lloyd. He collected the signatures in shopping areas and community centres across Blaenau Gwent and as far as Abergavenny.

Mr Lloyd told the Argus that the local community are not going to give up their fight for the right to choose.

He said: "The windfarm plans will affect the people living in this area tremendously, so the people should be able to decide.

"All we are asking is that we are given the right to choose."

And, given that choice, Mr Lloyd said he believed the people of Blaenau Gwent would not support the windfarm.

He said: "Some 95 per cent of the people I have spoken to are against the plans."

But a council planning chief said that the local authority had no power to hold a vote.

A spokeswoman said: "The council is the local planning authority with the legal duty to decide on this application. The council does not have the power to call a referendum."

Blaenau Gwent Assembly Member Peter Law said: "I think it is a very interesting idea that we need to research.

"I thought there was a provision for local authorities to call such a vote.

"I am happy to look into it and ask the minister for local government.

"If that's what 2,000 people are calling for, it shows the level of concern."

Pennant Wind Energy submitted the application to build the 100-metre towers on the mountains between Blaenavon and Brynmawr, which would power 25,000 homes in Blaenau Gwent.

They have offered a £4 million 'sweetener' for community projects, which the firm claims could be doubled by EU cash to £8 million.

Pennant's managing director, Dale Hart, has offered assurances about the turbines' impact and promised exhibitions in the new year.