Toxic fears
Incinerator would be THIRD near area
Worried householders in Rutherglen and Cambuslang say they could be stuck in a “toxic triangle” if a planned incinerator at Blantyre goes ahead.
The Whistleberry Road plant is the third incinerator proposed in or around the region.
Worried householders in Rutherglen and Cambuslang say they could be stuck in a“toxic triangle” if a planned incinerator at Blantyre goes ahead.
That is because the Whistleberry Road plant and associated 90-metre flume is the third incinerator proposed in or around the region, with one currently under construction at Polmadie and a second earmarked for Monklands near Coatbridge.
The trio of planned facilities will, according to Halfway Community Council, lock locals into a triangle of toxic emissions.
Stephen Towill of Halfway Community Council said objections to the incinerator, proposed by Clean Power Properties, were expected to reach the 5,000 mark this week.
He said: “Cambuslang has been referred to as ‘the toxic triangle’ with the incinerators at Polmadie, Monklands and potentially Blantyre putting Cambuslang and surrounding areas in a ‘triple whammy’ position from all the adverse impacts they bring.
“This isn’t a development we want on our doorstep when it carries such high risk to our local environment and the wellbeing of our children and families.
“Halfway Community Council have been out raising awareness and obtaining objections. Should anyone wish to object they can obtain an objection letter from the Halfway Community Council Facebook page or website.”
The community council has joined forces with the Hamilton Energy Recovery Action Group (HERAG) which has been fighting Clean Power Properties for some time.
Phil Sykes, chairman of the group, said: “We’ve had a fantastic response from affected communities to this proposal with many thousands of people objecting already and with many activists out on the streets every week to get the message out.
“We also now have communities involved that are represented by over 40 elected politicians, from local councillors to MSPs and MPs. Over half of these elected representatives have either organised or attended public meetings to listen to the concerns of the communities they represent, as well as providing other support to the campaign and we are immensely grateful to both our politicians and ordinary folk for the support they have given the campaign.”
Clean Power Properties is seeking permission to build a materials recovery plant and advanced thermal treatment facility with an integrated education and visitor centre.
It first proposed building an incinerator at the site of the former Craighead School back in 2013, but was rejected by South Lanarkshire Council.
The company however, won an appeal when the Scottish Government overturned that decision. A fresh application was made earlier this year by Clean Power Properties who say the development will represent an estimated £100million investment in the economy and will generate around 150 jobs during construction and 30 fulltime jobs once operation begins.