SOUTH West Wiltshire MP Dr Andrew Murrison has urged residents in the Westbury area to carry on opposing the proposed £200 million waste to energy incinerator planned for the town.

Chairing a round table hosted by UK. Without Incinerators Network (UKWIN) on Tuesday, Dr Murrison encouraged all concerned constituents to voice their disapproval of the proposed Westbury incinerator whilst the public consultation phase is open until January 22.

UKWIN is a not-for-profit network of anti-incinerator campaigners presenting policy recommendations to combat the proliferation of incinerators across the country.

The event was apolitical in nature and attracted dozens of MPs, peers, councillors and researchers. In all, there were almost 100 participants, including a strong showing from Dr Murrison’s constituency, which covers Warminster, Westbury and Trowbridge.

Dr Murrison was asked to chair the event based on his experiences opposing Northacre Renewable Energy Ltd’s Westbury incinerator which is now in its Environment Agency public consultation phase.

The joint venture company, which is partly owned by the Swindon-based Hills Group, is also asking Wiltshire Council for planning approval to change the technology for the incinerator from advanced thermal treatment to moving grate combustion.

More than 2,000 residents and several local councils have objected, saying it will add to air pollution, harm public health and lead to more traffic using the busy A350 to Westbury.

Dr Murrison said: “Events such as these are a vital opportunity for local anti-incinerator campaigners to exchange ideas and tactics. We are definitely stronger together. In Westbury we have a strong history of successfully campaigning against air quality issues.”

More information can be found here: https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/psc/ba13-4we-northacre-renewable-energy-limited/