Conservatives Back Incineration in Essex (Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats)

Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats <info@saffronwaldenlibdems.org.uk>

Conservatives Back Incineration in Essex

July 9, 2007 9:50 PM

The Liberal Democrats are opposing Conservative plans for an incinerator in Essex

Essex County Council's ruling Conservatives are proposing to build a new type of incinerator in the county to deal with the treatment of the waste that would be left behind after the anaerobic digestion of kitchen and green waste.

Cllr Peter Wilcock, Leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Uttlesford District Council, said: "After years of the Tories in Essex insisting that they have a 'no incineration' policy and contesting elections on that basis, Essex Conservatives have now done a spectacular U-turn.

"It is disgraceful that they have tried to sneak out this major policy change without consultation, proper assessment of the risks associated with the proposal, or provision for scrutiny. Our Liberal Democrat colleagues at County Hall have, however, succeeded in securing a special meeting on 13 July to which all county councillors will be invited. This should provide an opportunity for the issues to be debated properly."

The county council are making a bid for government credits under the Private Finance Initiative towards building such facilities.

Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes, Leader of Essex County Council's Liberal Democrat group, said: "The government has been talking to the county council for some time and criteria for this PFI application have changed recently to accommodate the government's latest policy on incineration. It is obvious that the Conservatives have submitted an application to include waste burn because it will not get PFI credits if it doesn't include an incinerator. The council leader's protestations that once the credits are secured, we will then decide whether to use incineration or not - or not even use the PFI credit at all - is pure nonsense. The PFI bid will not be successful without it.

"This is a dishonest attempt to deceive the public into accepting incineration, despite the public's clear objection to it from recent consultations."

Cllr Christina Cant, Uttlesford's Lib Den Environment spokesperson said "We urge the Tories to promote and support the example of Uttlesford District Council, which saw recycling rates soar to over 50% when the Liberal Democrats introduced the highly successful three wheelie bin recycling system. Essex has seen savings in disposal costs of over £200,000 from Uttlesford residents but Uttlesford District Council has not received any financial benefit from these savings. Liberal Democrats on Uttlesford District Council will continue to press Essex County Council to return these savings to the people of Uttlesford."

Cllr Peter Wilcock summed up: "Cllr Peter Martin, the Conservative cabinet member responsible for waste, has admitted that the County Council's recycling targets are 'cautious'. In an era of reducing and recycling waste that is simply unacceptable. Essex Tories seem to prefer burning waste, which can create hazardous residues and yet more CO2"