WESTBURY is on tenterhooks as the incinerator inquiry is drawing to a close.
Northacre Renewable Energy Ltd’s (NREL) wants to build a £200million incinerator in Westbury, which will burn waste for energy but the plans have faced huge protests from the local community.
A government-appointed inspector is considering the application and has been hearing evidence from both sides at a special inquiry which is being held in the Laverton and concludes on Thursday this week.
“Whatever the outcome nobody can say that we all have not done our best to protect our families, homes and town,” said Mayor Sheila Kimmins who was one of the speakers against the plans.
“We don’t expect the inspector to announce his decision this week so the community will face an agonising wait but we have done all we can to fight these proposals.”
Cllr Mark Bailey, another one of the speakers at the inquiry said, “I feel that Westbury’s strongest case against the incinerator has been made by the public display of opposition as shown by the large numbers of people protesting on the opening day and by the many members of the public prepared to come forward and speak as interested parties.
“I also believe that our local councillors gave very strong and well argued speeches on behalf of the town and the local residents showing why we don’t want or need this incinerator and why local views should play a major part in the Inspector’s final decision.”
The inquiry has been running in two blocks – the first session from Tuesday 22nd to Thursday 24th November and the second session this week from Monday 5th December until Thursday 8th December.
Photo: The inspector leaves the incinerator site on the West Wilts Trading Estate during a tour of the area on Monday, with local protestors making their opinions clear
