‘An insane world we live in - this is not the solution’
WE HAVE just returned from a visit to the Barton under Needwood wildlife lakes and marina on the western edge of the National Forest.
They have created a visitors centre with shops, restaurants and even a cinema around the marina. It also has lots of walks around the lakes for people to enjoy the wildlife. A quality development to enjoy from dis-used gravel pits for the benefit of all.
Contrast this to the eastern edge of the National Forest. A disused stone quarry close to Shepshed, Loughborough, University/Science Park, and in the future, one of the largest housing projects in the county, namely Garendon.
The powers that be decided to build a waste incinerator in the quarry burning thousands of tons of waste every year. What a great idea that is! Who cares about the pollution, smell, extra traffic, etc. It’s an area that has the worst air quality in Leics so a bit more will not make any difference!
Actually, it will make a significant difference to us all. The prevailing south westerly wind means that Loughborough will bear the brunt of the pollution, smoke and smell, so athletes at the university’ and Longcliffe golfers will all get there share.
The plans have been passed so the consultation now in progress is only concerned about increasing the tonnage of waste to be burnt.
It seems ironic that a few miles down the road a power station is to due to close within the next few years because of the case against fossil fuels.
This power station has some of the most sophisticated pollution filters in Britain, yet they are going to allow the burning of waste containing all manner of toxic substances right next to people’s homes. What an insane world we live in! I know people will say the waste has to go somewhere but this is not the solution as it creates more problems than it solves.
The new incinerator in Sinfin, Derby has already caused protest over smell and noise and its not even fully up and running yet.
People living here beware this is the start of a major downturn in the quality of life for us all. The particulates given off by this incinerator will spread far beyond the boundaries of Charnwood. How can we leave this legacy to our children ?