ENERGY giant ScottishPower is paying for Freeview boxes and satellite TV for hundreds of homes after a wind farm disrupted the signal.

ENERGY giant ScottishPower is paying for Freeview boxes and satellite TV for hundreds of homes after a wind farm disrupted the signal.

The power firm has spent thousands of pounds ensuring people in Carmunnock, to the south of Glasgow, are not affected by nearby Whitelee wind farm.

ScottishPower has also reassured residents of Newton Mearns and Clarkston, who may be affected by expansion of the wind farm, that it "will do whatever it takes" to ensure viewers do not lose out.

Problems in the area first arose in July, when locals began complaining signals from the Darvel transmitter were being blocked by turbines at Whitelee, Europe's largest onshore wind farm.

Several hundred inquiries were made to Scottish-Power, who sent contractors to establish the problem.

It was found in most cases that signals from Darvel were impeded by Whitelee, but that viewers were able to turn aerials to receive programmes from the Black Hill transmitter.

Where this was not an option, Scottish-Power paid to have satellite receivers or Freeview boxes installed.

Up to 300 homes are said to have benefited under the scheme, with some homes receiving equipment for several sets.

Paul Ferguson, Scottish-Power media relations manager, said the company wanted to reassure residents they would not suffer long-term problems from the planned expansion of the wind farm.

So far, fewer than 90 turbines have been built, but at least 50 more are set to be put up in the next year at the site near Eaglesham.

Mr Ferguson said: "The vast majority of inquiries we received were from residents of Carmunnock, which I understand is in a low-lying geographical position.

"We're committed that if we receive any inquiries from other residents, we will send out a contractor to take a look and establish the nature of the problem.

"If it's found to be the wind farm disrupting signal, we'll fix that - that could mean paying for satellite equipment, or whatever else it takes."

Stewart Roy, community councillor for Carmunnock, said he was satisfied that the energy giant had dealt with the problem in a swift and effective manner.

He said: "ScottishPower has certainly stepped forward and resolved the problem. Everybody I've spoken to has said they're pretty happy with the solution."