Lib Dems Call for United Council Opposition to Giant Incinerator Plans

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats, led by Cllr Tim Hill, Stewartby and Wootton Ward, and Mayor Dave Hodgson, have put a motion before Full Council for next Wednesday's meeting calling on all Councillors to oppose the plans for a giant Incinerator near Stewartby.

Cllr Tim Hill said, "Now that the full consultation with the public is taking place on the Incinerator Liberal Democrats felt it was right for local Councillors to have a chance to add their voice to the widespread community campaign against the plans. We feel strongly that local elected representatives should have a key role in deciding whether or not an application that has such an impact on local communities should go ahead.

"Unfortunately it isn't the case with the Covanta Incinerator but we can have a public debate in the Council Chamber and let the people making the decision on this application know how local residents feel."

The Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) is now asking people to register their interest in making comments on this application, this must be done by Friday November 19th 2010. You can go to the website at: http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/projects/eastern/rookery-south-energy-from-waste-generating-station/

Liberal Democrat Mayor Dave Hodgson added, "We have said all along that the planned Incinerator is too big, too dirty and just plain wrong. We are putting the issue before the Council to allow all ward Councillors to have their say about the impact these abominable plans will have on local communities in Bedford Borough."

Cllr Hill concluded, "We would urge all residents to register their concerns with the IPC. If we sit back and do nothing then they will not know the strength of feeling this community has around this issue."

Note: The IPC are currently seeking registration of interested parties who wish to comment on the proposals. When they have deliberated they will make recommendation to Government Office and a Minister, rather than local Councillors, will decide on the application.

The Incinerator, if approved, would be one of the largest in the country taking 585,000 tonnes of waste per year from at least six counties. It will be based in Bedfordshire but Bedfordshire Councils have already said they will not use the facility so waste will travel in from further afield.