LABOUR ANGER AT SUDDEN MOVE ON INCINERATOR BY MVV

Plans to bring a giant incinerator into the heart of Devonport took a step closer on Monday when MVV, one of the firms bidding to treat Plymouth's waste suddenly announced it was dropping its plans to develop a site an Ernesettle.

The announcement angered MPs who were briefed by Devon Waste Partnership officers only on Friday of last week that the Ernesttle project was still on.

Plymouth MPs Linda Gilroy, Alison Seabeck and Gary Streeter were all briefed by officials from the Partnership last week on the £300m+ project.

Linda Gilroy, MP for Plymouth Sutton said today that the timing was unfortunate to say the least. "I simply do not see why this decision was not conveyed to us in time for the meeting. The press release was issued on Monday so the decision would have been made last week. Its also inconceivable that MVV did not know that MPs were being informed. Also, a briefing for councillors had been arranged for the Monday afternoon.

"Frankly, if this is the standard of engagement that the company gives to elected representatives it doesn't bode well for the public consultation."

Alison Seabeck, MP for Plymouth Devonport said that "the scrapping of Ernesettle was welcome but it was pretty evident following the consultation that MVV were not interested in the Ernesettle site. What corners are therefore being cut to bring North Yard forward? We need the widest possible consultation on this issue. The voice of local residents must be heard."

Local Councillors have also joined in the condemenation. Cllr Bill Stevens (Devonport) said "I know form the recent area committee that local people are worried about this and I am working with Linda Gilroy on a survey of residents views to ensure that their voice is heard" Cllr Ian Gordon immediately despatched letters to hundreds of households in Weston Mill who would be directly affected.