Detectives investigate threats to waste plant councillors

North Yorkshire Police confirmed yesterday that officers have been alerted to the offensive messages demanding that the proposals for the waste management plant between Harrogate and York should be scrapped.

The decision has now been taken to draft in a team of 10 security staff for today's meeting at County Hall in Northallerton to decide the fate of the 1bn waste management contract.

North Yorkshire County Council stressed the stewards, who are each being employed at a cost of 15 an hour, have been recruited in the "interests of health and safety".

It is understood the threatening letters have heightened concerns over a planned demonstration involving scores of campaigners at County Hall before the meeting.

Detective Inspector Heather Pearson urged anyone with information to contact officers immediately, and added: "We are taking this matter very seriously.

"The tone and content of the letters is alarming.

"The incinerator is an emotive issue, but those opposed to any decision must realise that they cannot break the law and threaten the safety of people going about their work."

It is understood that the anonymous, stencilled letters have been sent to both home addresses and County Hall.

Among those who have been targeted are council leader John Weighell and the executive member for waste disposal, Coun Clare Wood.

Coun Weighell declined to comment on the letters, other than to say that it was a police matter.

But he added: "I would ask that we have an open, honest and frank debate about the proposals at the meeting, as long as it is done within the confines of the law.

"I do believe that some kind of incineration will be needed for future waste disposal in North Yorkshire, but no decision will be taken until we have considered all sides of the argument."

The North Yorkshire Waste Action Group (NYWAG) has carried out a high-profile campaign against the incinerator proposals, claiming a far greater emphasis should be placed on boosting recycling rates.

NYWAG's chairman, Steve Wright, condemned those responsible for sending the threatening messages, and was adamant his organisation had nothing to do with the letters.

"We would not condone any offensive or threatening behaviour, and we would report any such issues to the police immediately," he added.

"We have always attempted to achieve our aims through a reasonable dialogue, and I would disown the actions of anyone who would do otherwise."

County councillors will decide today if the 25-year contract should be awarded to the preferred bidder, an international waste management firm called AmeyCespa.

York Council agreed last week to give the contract for the waste management plant, which is due to be built at Allerton Park, to AmeyCespa.