Health & Environmental Assessment Rejected

4.06.10pm GMT Wed 14th Jan 2009

In an extraordinary move at yesterday's County Council meeting, a request for an examination into any possible health and environmental risks of an incinerator in Oxfordshire was kicked into the long grass. Liberal Democrat Jean Fooks had put down a motion asking for an independent assessment - possibly to be carried out by Oxford University - before procuring an incinerator, because of public concerns that had been raised with councillors.

Jean said, "This is not about incineration in principle but about fears and concerns that have come up in relation to it. New research information is becoming available, some within only the last year, and from responsible and respected scientists. A large number of residents are very worried about this. We need to assess this information ourselves before an incinerator is built, not leave that responsibility to others. We should take the opportunity, as a responsible and responsive county council, to address those concerns."

However, the Conservatives poured cold water on the fears raised by the public, and amended the motion so that any assessment would only be done by the statutory bodies, the Environmental Agency and the Health Protection Agency, after the Council had granted planning permission and the incinerator was actually about to go into operation. Jean said, "The County Council is constantly accused of not listening to local people; this does nothing to contradict that reputation - in fact it enhances it."

Jean added, "I would like to thank the public for the detailed information they have been sending to councillors, which has been very helpful."