I’VE often pointed out to readers that the handy acronym ‘nimby’ is one of the most meaningless terms of abuse in the modern age.

It’s sprinkled about like confetti by every Mr and Mrs Surburban Semi-detached comfortably living their insular lives and not being bothered by anyone or anything, thanks very much.

But I imagine that if something happened to alter this state of affairs then they, too, would soon swell the ranks of nimbys.

However, the mere proximity of trouble is not the only deciding factor when considering whether or not to protest about a looming development. Take wind turbines, for instance. All over Britain, firms have got planning applications lodged with local authorities to build these gigantic contraptions across swathes of countryside. You had better prepare for this one, folks – believe you me, turbines are the new motorways.

Earlier this year, I learnt that a scheme for several of these turbines were planned for the fields around my childhood home in north Warwickshire. So, despite the fact that I no longer live in this area, I have added my weight to the protest campaign. Of course, this knocks the entire ‘nimby’ logic on its head.

Now here’s a strange thing. Wind turbines are not only a threat to wildlife, they also disfigure the landscape. And it’s also becoming apparent that even if Britain was plastered with the wretched things, they could supply only a small percentage of our energy needs.

Meanwhile, the Greens – desperate to become New Labour Mark Two – are curiously silent.

They talk nebulously about ‘renewable energy’ but are very careful to skirt round the issue of turbines.

They’ve quickly learnt that the way to avoid a difficult question is to ignore it altogether. Sadly, the Greens are now just yet another mainstream party, ducking and diving with an eye for the main chance.