Proposals by Labour-controlled Cheshire West and Chester to increase the time between bin collections claiming it will encourage more recycling is yet further proof an incinerator at Lostock Works is not needed, an MP has said.
Tatton MP Esther McVey said it was clear rubbish for the waste to energy plant would not be coming from Cheshire and the latest plans to increase the capacity for the incinerator, and vehicle movements with it, just highlighted that point.
She opposes the change from two weekly to three weekly collections and said the message from the council was confusing.
Ms McVey said: “On one hand the council are saying increasing the collection intervals to three weeks would boost recycling levels and reduce carbon emissions given fewer lorries would be needed. While I am not convinced it would change recycling rates given people already recycle as much as possible, it does raise the question of the need for this incinerator at all if the council expects less landfill. I have opposed this since I came to Tatton and had concerns waste would be being shipped in from outside the area to keep the plant going and now it is clear that will be the case. The latest application we are expecting just highlights this further.
“I have made the point before that there will be a huge increase in the numbers of vehicles on King Street which increases the risks for local residents- both in terms of road safety and vehicle emissions. How can Cheshire West argue that less frequent bin collection will reduce vehicle emissions but continue to support incineration and the increased vehicle movements that will bring?”
A consultation into waste collection changes is currently underway.
Ms McVey is joined in her opposition by local Ward Councillors, Helen Treeby and Mark Stocks.
Cllr Treeby, who represents Rudheath said: “On behalf of residents, I have continuously spoken against the plans to burn more waste at the new Lostock Energy Plant. The new proposal would result in a significant increase in traffic – causing further noise disruption and potentially dangerous air pollution. They can only need the extra capacity if they are bringing waste from well outside the area.
“Lostock Energy Plant have delivered a leaflet to residents in Rudheath and I urge residents to have their say and submit their views. I will continue to act on my constituent’s behalf to object to this grossly irresponsible proposal.”
Ms McVey said she will be making her views known to the council and has been contacted by constituents concerned about the proposed changes.
She added: “People are understandably are not happy with the idea, particularly the smell it could cause in hotter months. I want to see the two weekly collections remain in place. I will also be objecting to the latest incinerator application. It makes no sense.”