Anger erupts over Telford waste depot plans

Representatives from applicants Veolia failed to complete their presentation for the proposed site at Ketley Depot on Ketley Business Park as residents persistently interrupted them.

Calls of "we don't want it" and "why Ketley?" rang out as James Cook and Donald Macphail, both from Veolia, tried to give a presentation at Ketley Community Centre last night.

The meeting, attended by around 60 people, was called to discuss plans for the site which could see a waste transfer station, complete with vehicle parking, a workshop and offices.

If approved, the station will transfer 40,000 tonnes of commercial and industrial waste per year and could potentially create four or five new jobs for the town.

Mr Macphail invited residents to visit the Bridgnorth site the company runs, which is similar to the planned site, but was met with cries of "We don't care about Bridgnorth, we care about Ketley" and "Would you like to live by a dump?"

Mr Macphail said the new site would involve 21 wagons stationed at the base moving in and out between 7am and 8am and 2pm to 3pm.

James Cook, from Veolia, said the waste that was taken there would be mostly commercial waste, such as cardboard, paper, plastic and metal, and only a small amount would be stored there overnight.

Becky Wright, who lives in Ketley Town, near the proposed site, said: "Pink Skips is another recycling centre and that is under offer. So if that goes ahead and this one does as well then we have two.

"You are saying that we have an extra 40 wagons a day on the roads. I am saying there is an over-development of waste sites in this area."

Ms Wright received a round of applause from the residents.