A Shropshire MP today launched an online petition in a bid to block a proposed multi-million pound waste incinerator on the eastern edge of Telford.
Wrekin Conservative MP Mark Pritchard hopes the petition will attract hundreds of names from people fighting plans for the “energy from waste” plant at Granville tip in Redhill.
Waste management company Sita UK and technology firm Cyclerval UK have applied to build the plant.
Mr Pritchard said he had already lodged a “formal objection” with Telford & Wrekin Council.
“Irrespective of the benefits of turning waste into energy the location of the proposed site is completely unacceptable given the proximity of the site to homes and local schools in Priorslee, Muxton, and Sheriffhales,” he said.
“I will be opposing this incinerator all the way and call on the whole community to back my Bin The Incinerator campaign.”
Critics claim people living near the site could have their health blighted by potentially hazardous fallout.
Sheriffhales parish councillor Gordon Tonkinson said: “Our rural community gets 75 per cent of the prevailing wind from Redhill.
“There is clear evidence around the world that fine particle emissions from incinerators are dangerous. But our Government wants to build 100 across the UK.”
However, Sita and Cyclerval say the incinerator would be a clean and efficient way to replace the vast amounts of rubbish being buried underground.
Company bosses told a public meeting of more than 60 people they should have “no cause for concern”.
Ian Crummack, Cyclerval UK managing director, said the plant would be small compared with others elsewhere and make no significant changes to levels of dioxins in the air. He added that the plant would create new jobs, reduce the need for landfill and operate within “strict” EU standards.
An outline planning application for the plant has been submitted to Telford & Wrekin Council, and a decision is likely next year.
The petition can be signed at www.markpritchard.com
By Kirsty Smallman
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