Plans for an incinerator on Hadnock Road came under scrutiny last week at a public meeting held in the Shire Hall.

Chaired by Liz Hacket-Pain, residents heard from three speakers who were able to talk with some authority and experience on the subject.

George Boyce, a resident who retired from the chemical industry and has been involved with environmental management systems, explained the pyrolysis process and how it would affect the immediate area.

Using waste wood and organic matter to provide electricity, he explained, has many drawbacks, not only in the delivery of an estimated 145 tonnes per day of wood, but in the emmission of gasses and contaminated water waste that the process creates.

Elements of lead, chromium, copper and arsenic would end up in the ash, a residue from the waste wood of which pallets are a prime source, which he said would be marketed as a soil improver.

Peter Bere, an expert in renewable resources since the late 1960s, spoke of how planning authorities are under pressure to give the green light to processes such as this following European Council targets for renewable energy.

A more suitable system would be a micro hydro-power system on the River Wye, close to the bridge.

Finally, Dr Dick van Steenis MBBS then explained why he was opposed to the application, stating that it was the wrong technology in the wrong place (see letters, page six).

Opening the meeting up to the floor, residents then had ample opportunity to express their fears and criticised the plans for being too vague.

Disappointed that the applicant did not attend, nor anyone from the planning department or the Environment Agency, they expressed their objections to such a proposal given the road was well known for its flooding problems and considering the waste water that the factory would create.

The area was well known for its beauty and its fishing and the road is used by cyclists and school pupils every day.

Closing the meeting, Liz Hacket-Pain said there was much to take forward to future meetings and it woud be a good opportunity to contact the Planning Department for more information.

Speaking to the Beacon after the meeting, she said the meeting went well, with some very good concerns raised and valid points brought into the open.