Residents blast 'cheap and nasty' incineration

SCORES of people went to a public exhibition on proposals for an incinerator in Ernesettle last night – with many of them voicing their concerns.

MVV Umwelt, the company behind the proposal, staged the exhibition in the Parkway Sports and Social Club, Ernesettle, with key figures from the firm answering questions from the public.

MVV Umwelt is proposing to build an Energy from Waste plant on land in Ernersettle – or an alternative plan on land at Devonport's North Yard – if it wins its bid to the South West Devon Waste Partnership, which is commissioning an EfW to handle domestic rubbish for Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon. The firm is in competition with Viridor, which is proposing to build a £100million EfW at New England Quarry, near Lee Mill.

Representatives from MVV spoke about both of their proposed sites last night – but most of the people who went along were worried about the possible impacts the Ernesettle one would bring.

Ernesettle resident Pauline Freeman said she was concerned about the visual impact of the plant, as well as health and traffic issues which could be caused. She said: "Devonport is a better site because it is a different area altogether."

Sharon Lambert, from Saltash, said: "Saltash is going to be just as affected. Whatever comes out of the chimney will blow across our way as well. Incineration is a cheap, nasty option."

The STIFLE pressure group has more than 120 members and is in opposition to the Ernesettle plant proposals. STIFLE committee member Neil Mawdsley said: "The more we have unearthed, the more we realise the best solution is recycling – but the council doesn't seem to be interested in that."

Cllr Peter Smith, speaking as ward councillor, added: "We keep our opposition to the site in Ernesettle."

Paul Carey, managing director of MVV Environment, said: "The exhibition was the start of a longer term process with the local community.

"People will always have concerns about a facility of this size."

Mr Carey said there were "advantages" and "disadvantages" with both of MVV's proposed sites. He said an advantage at North Yard would be supplying the dockyard with "cost effective energy".

He said: "We are being as honest as we should be and open about what we are proposing. We are trying to be clear to people with the positives and negatives."

Anyone who wants to add their voice to MVV's proposals should visit the www.mvvuk.co.uk website. Another exhibition is expected to take place tonight at Weston Mill Community Primary School, between 5pm and 8.30pm.