Deliveries are scheduled to begin this week of components for 125-metre-high wind turbines at Hallburn Wind Farm, near Longtown.

A test run is planned for today to simulate the movement of the longest loads through the centre of the town.

Once the test has been successfully completed, delivery of the components will begin tomorrow with the schedule aiming to complete deliveries on October 25.

Warnings about any delays will be notified to road users in advance. Hallburn Wind Farm will consist of six 2.2MW wind turbines which will generate electricity equivalent to the needs of around 10,100 households. Work on the foundations for the wind turbines is now complete at the site of the old airfield at Hallburn Farm near Longtown.

The turbines are due to be installed, commissioned and tested by the end of the year.

A total of 16 convoys each consisting of three vehicles with police escort will transport the turbine components, including 18 of the 49-metre- long turbine blades, and other elements weighing up to 70 tonnes.

The schedule is for one convoy per day during the delivery period. There will be no deliveries on Sundays.

The convoys will cross the country on the A69 and join the M6 at junction 43.

They will join the A7 at M6 junction 44 and travel as far as Longtown where they will turn right onto Swan Street in the centre of town, and continue to Hallburn Farm.

There will be some delays to traffic on the route, and each convoy’s turn off the A7 on English Street into Swan Street may halt traffic for between 10 and 15 minutes in the centre of Longtown.

There will also be restrictions on parking in spaces on English Street and Swan Street nearest the junction to allow the convoys to negotiate the turn.

A spokesman for REG Power Management, which is responsible for the project, said: "Transport by road is the most practical way of moving the large turbine components. The specialist transport contractors will erect notices warning of delays and will attempt to minimise the impact on traffic along the route, but other road users can expect some delays.

"We also very much appreciate the co-operation and patience of residents and businesses in Longtown throughout the preparation for the move."

A Community Benefit Fund associated with the Hallburn Wind Farm project will generate more than £1.6 million during the 25-year operating period of the wind farm.

This is made up of annual grants of £66,000 each year for projects and community groups surrounding the site.