News from Devon Labour

Public meeting adds pressure on Viridor’s incinerator plans

Residents in Ivybridge and Lee Mill are being invited to attend a special public meeting organised by local residents opposed to Viridor’s incinerator, at New England Quarry at 2pm on Saturday 21 November. The meeting is taking place in the Community Room at Chapel Place, off Fore Street in Ivybridge.

The panel for the meeting includes Cllr Roger Croad, the Ivybridge Councillor leading the search for a location for the new incinerator, Luke Pollard from Ivybridge Labour who is leading the political campaign against a new incinerator, and Frankie Dolan, an Ivybridge resident who is leading the residents’ campaign against the incinerator. Viridor have been invited to attend the public meeting.

Luke Pollard, Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for SW Devon, said:

“It is immediately apparent when you speak to residents in Ivybridge and Lee Mill that they have some very real concerns and questions that need answering about plans for an incinerator on their doorstep. An extra 120 trucks on the A38 every day delivering rubbish to an incinerator that will operate 24 hours a day is an alarming prospect. People need some proper answers to their questions.”

“We need a proper public debate about the incinerator. This means more than an exhibition and a few leaflets – it means public meetings and real discussion. That is why we’re holding a public meeting to give local people a chance to have their voices heard.”

Frankie Dolan, an Ivybridge resident who founded the ecoivy.org incinerator awareness website said:

“This meeting could be the last chance that Ivybridge residents have to voice their opinion before Viridor submit their application for planning permission. Please don’t think that someone will speak on your behalf, you need to come to the meeting and make sure any of your concerns are heard. What is ultimately decided could shape our community for years to come and I fear that if the public don’t participate in the discussion then planning decisions may be taken that are not in the best interests of the local people.”

Luke Pollard added: “We have invited Viridor to attend the meeting and listen to people’s concerns. They know this meeting is taking place. The company is happy holding the occasional exhibition about their plans but the true test for them will be whether they will turn up and listen to local people. If they don’t turn up there will be an empty chair on the panel. That will speak volumes for how the company regards the opinions of people in Lee Mill and Ivybridge. I hope Viridor accept our invitation to attend.”

Other news from Devon Labour

• Ivybridge councillor must resolve 'conflict of interest' over Ivybridge incinerator - 8 December 2009