An alternative energy company is targeting the Newent area as a possible location for a wind farm.

Andy Jennings, a spokesman for Marlborough-based Green Amps, confirmed this week that the company is looking at the Forest of Dean area as a location for a number of wind turbines.

Newent mayor Fred Passant said he understood that an area to the north-west of Newent was being earmarked for two turbines, which can be as high as 43 metres, with blades 13m across.

Green Amps has refused to reveal further details and Coun Passant said he looked forward to a public meeting promised by the company to try and get some answers.

The date and location is yet to be announced by the company but it is likely to be this month.

Coun Passant said: "This has come right out of the blue and a site to the north-west of Newent is about as much as we know."

He said the scale and noise disruption caused by the wind turbines would depend on their location.

Coun Passant said: "It all depends on in whose back garden they will be, and whether you can see them and hear them. I will wait until they call the public meeting to get more information."

Coun Passant pointed out that an area to the north-west of Newent might not be close to parish boundaries. It could be closer to the M50 motorway, nearer to Kempley or Gorsley.

He said: "Equally, it could be right next to the town and at the moment it's a case of wait and see."

The turbines would be part of a series in Gloucestershire of over 18 sites, with each supplying enough electricity for 440 homes.