TELESCOPES are being installed along the seafront to enable people to get a closer look at Rampion windfarm.

While many think the 116 turbine facility is an eyesore others consider it a thing of beauty.

Those of the latter view will be able to see it up close thanks to the new telescopes in Lancing, Newhaven, Rottingdean and Shoreham.

The idea for the telescopes came from pupils at Globe Primary School in Lancing who approached Lancing Parish Council last year.

Rampion bosses got involved and have now partnered with local councils to make the idea a reality.

The telescopes will be fitted in the coming weeks enabling people to view Rampion’s construction and then its operation when it opens next year.

Chris Tomlinson, Rampion’s development manager, said: “There has been a high level of interest in the wind farm from local people and we hope the new telescopes will further encourage people’s curiosity, both during the current construction period and in the longer term when Rampion is fully operational.”

In Lancing the telescope is positioned on Beach Green and provides an uninterrupted view of the wind farm.

The telescope in Newhaven is located on Castle Hill near the foot of the Coastwatch Tower and provides 180 degree views from the wind farm in the west to Seaford Head in the east.

Telescopes are also to be positioned at the Quarterdeck on the southern end of the Lower High Street in Rottingdean and at the entrance to Shoreham Beach.

All four telescopes are permanent fixtures and will be free to use.

Newhaven mayor, councillor June Dyer, said: “This is a lovely gift from Rampion to the people of Newhaven and I hope everyone enjoys using it for many years to come.”

The 400mw Rampion project is being built 8 miles (13km) off the Sussex coast by E.ON, the UK Green Investment Bank plc and Canadian energy infrastructure company Enbridge.

Turbine installation began in March 2017 and 67 of the 116 turbines are now up. When complete it will provide enough electricity to supply almost 347,000 homes a year.