NIMBYism, not in this case

Protesters against wind farms are often described as NIMBYs (not in my back yard) and derided by the BBC and its fellow travellers in the eco-mentalist lobby. However the news that the

"Rush for oil reaches Britain's fields"

has to include a warning that

"Environmental groups have been angered by West Sussex County Council's decision to give permission to Northern Petroleum to drill an exploration well near Chichester.

The site in Markwells Wood is part of the South Downs and a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.

Jacquetta Fewster, director of the South Downs Society, says the drilling would lead to the destruction of trees and hedgerows and the visual impact of the drilling tower and its lighting would be "inappropriate".

"It's very quiet, full of wildlife when you walk along the footpaths, you'll often come a across a deer," she says.

"Drilling for oil isn't compatible with a place that should be for quiet contemplation and getting away from urban life.""

In the "minds" of the eco-warriors, wind power is good and anyone against it is a NIMBY whereas oil is bad and anyone in favour of it is a selfish vandal.