Disbelief over Kiln Go-Ahead
MEP 'astonished' at council's yes decision to kiln
PROTESTORS PLEDGE TO BATTLE ON
Scuffles before the arguements began
 
 

by IAIN JEFFREY

A storm of protest has greeted councillors' decision to approve Castle Cement's plans for a new £48 million kiln at their Padeswood site, near Mold.

Groups protesting against the development saiod they were "horrified" that Flintshire councillors had allowed securing up to 700 jobs to outweigh health and environmental concerns over the kiln, which will burn alternative fuels such as tyres and plastic.

And they were incensed by comments that the 350ft tower at the centre of the plan was "a minor irritation".

Campaigner Chris Pilsbury, organiser of TCC, a group representing thousands of residents, churches and schools, said: "People will be very disappointed and uncomfortable that health was not a major part of the debate."

 Cllr David Messham said there had been a lot of "hysteria and allegations" over health fears that had been deemed unfounded by the health experts.

Even though the plans have been approved, the Welsh Assembly could still "call in" the application and make its own decision or hold a public enquiry.
 
 

A leading MEP who warned Flintshire Council not to grant permission for the kiln has described the vote as an "astonishing rejection of the people's will," and promised to take action in Europe.

Jill Evans MEP said that the weight of opposition should not have been ignored. She pointed out 207 representations from big businesses and individuals had objected to the plans with only 7 in favour.

Buckley Town Council unanimously opposed the plans, as did a host of other town and community councils, and a petition with 5,210 signatures was handed into the council in opposition to the plans.

But Buckley county councillors Ken Iball and David Messham  backed the plans. Cllr Messham said the visual impact of the 350ft chimney will unfortunately " be a price worth paying."

He said he voted the way Buckley felt and that people who will have to live with the view, "will have to put up with this minor irritation".

But Jill Evans said: "I'm astounded that elected members can ignore the fears and anxieties of the people. New legislation currently being discussed in Europe with regard to emissions will be relevant to this kiln.

"It's no surprise that the biggest lobbyists trying to block tougher laws are cement producers."
 
 

Richard Furse, spokesman for Campaign Against the New Kiln (CANK), said: "Readers of your paper should think about how their councillors have represented their views today.
"We are obviously disappointed and very surprised councillors were prepared  top put 200 jobs ahead of the risk to people's health." Mr Furse and CANK's lawyers called the decision a setback, but denied it was a knockout blow for the anti-kiln campaign.

A legal adviser acting for the protestors said their best hope is to either take a legal appeal to the High Court or hope the Assembly calles the matter in before it gets planning permission.
 
 

Before the meeting began minor scuffles broke out at the entrance to the council chamber as about a dozen protestors tried to barge their way past security.

Police were called to restrain them and they were eventually allowed into the meeting, along with the rest of the campaigners.

Speaking against the proposals, Richard Furse for CANK (Campaign Against the New Kiln), said it would be an enormous tower with a mass of other buildings and nothing could mask that.
He highlighted the complicated employment issue, with employers such as M&S Financial Services and MBNA, which have created more than 3,000 jobs, threatening not to expand if the proposals gets the go-ahead.

Mr Furse also drew attention to the emissions question, saying the new kiln would be burning a combination of cemfuel, tyres, and solvent residues which would release more harmful dioxins, which accumulate in the environment and in humans and are difficult to measure.

He said: "We are talking about a public health experiment with no controls" and he strongly advised rejection of the plans.