A PLAN for a £25m windfarm on mountains between Blaina, Blaenavon and Abertillery would see a £4m 'sweetener' shared among communities affected by the scheme.

The proposed Pendragon Windfarm would power 25,000 homes in Blaenau Gwent - and the £4m 'green dividend' would boost community schemes.

Windfarm operators Pennant Wind Energy Ventures plan to give communities between £150,000 and £200,000 a year for 20 years from electricity sales.

Pennant says that the site on Mynydd James, Cefn Coch, and Coity mountains is ideal for energy production and can easily accommodate the proposed 20 to 30 turbines of just under 100 metres in height.

Pennant Wind's managing director, Dale Hart, said: "We are a Welsh-based company and we propose to share the benefits of this project with local people."

He added the £4 million could rise to £8 million if projects qualified for match funding from elsewhere.

The money could go towards schemes such as:

* New nature reserves and bird-watching facilities.

* A green energy education centre for local schools.

* Improved footpaths, walkways and cycle routes.

* New works of public art.

* A weather station.

Pennant will now distribute leaflets to all households in Brynmawr, Blaina, Nantyglo, Cwmtillery, Abertillery, Six Bells and Llanhilleth, asking people for their views on how the green dividend may best be used.

Pennant admits some of the turbines would be visible. And some residents' groups fear the giant turbines will be an eyesore and spoil the famous Cordell Country Trail.

Alun Lewis, secretary of the Cwmcelyn Tenants' and Residents' Association, Blaina, said: "I would say the tenants and residents would be opposed to the idea. It would spoil a lovely part of the world."

Blaenau Gwent council last week agreed a request for a wind-measuring device to be placed on the mountain for a year - but yesterday would not comment on Pennant's proposal.

The proposal should go before the council's planning committee in the next few months.