Pollution approach said to be conflicted

Campaigners fighting the proposed incinerator in Blantyre say the Scottish Government’s recent commitment to improving air quality is questionable.

The government last week announced plans to create lowemission zones in cities and tackle air quality on Scotland’s most polluted streets – which includes Rutherglen and Cambuslang.

But people in Cambuslang East – which will suffer increased pollution if the Blantyre incinerator is built – say the government’s approach to pollution is conflicted, given it approved a high-polluting plant in the area two years ago.

Liisa Hepworth, secretary of Halfway Community Council, said: “The timing of the Scottish Government’s plans to improve air quality and to consult with community councils on how to go about achieving those targets is ironic, when Halfway Community Council presently finds itself out raising awareness on the levels of pollution that will arise from the plans to build a third large waste incinerator plant nearby.

“Residents in the community are already genuinely concerned about the impact of current emissions and pollution levels never mind the additional emissions and pollution that will come from the Polmadie and Carnbroe approved plants and a planned third one on Whistleberry Road.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said the Scottish reporter, who made the 2015 decision on the Blantyre plant, is independent of the government.

She said: “We understand South Lanarkshire Council is considering a further planning application in respect of this project, and has yet to reach a decision. It would be inappropriate to comment whilst this process is ongoing.

“SEPA regulates all Energy From Waste facilities strictly to ensure emissions remain within acceptable limits that do not impact on human health.

“Scotland has made good progress in tackling air pollution, but there remain areas where levels are too high.

“We want to develop a sustainable future for younger generations and we are providing support to local authorities to help tackle air pollution hotspots.”