Protesters take to streets in row over waste site

The site earmarked for the waste plant at Allerton Park sits next to the A1 at a gateway to some of the region's main tourism destinations, including York, Harrogate and the Yorkshire Dales.

Opponents who have launched the North Yorkshire Waste Action Group (NYWAG) say a far greater emphasis should be placed on boosting recycling.

Yesterday Harrogate District Friends of the Earth joined NYWAG for a banner-waving demonstration outside a meeting of county councillors Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate.

Organisers had called for as many people as possible to attend to send a clear message to councillors about the level of opposition to the plan.

Senior officials from County Hall have pushed back until December a decision whether the 900m deal should be awarded to the preferred bidder, AmeyCespa.

The objectors have appealed for private land owners to display road signs and banners to promote the scheme. NYWAG now has a series of bold yellow road signs, estate agent boards and large banners publicising the anti-incinerator campaign.

County Council workers were sent out to collect the signs that had been put up around villages.

NYWAG chairman Steve Wright said: "We are looking for private land to put them up on so North Yorkshire County Council can't take them down.

"We are hoping to get them up on busy roads across the county and in York to raise public awareness and gain further support for the campaign."

He urged anyone willing to allow the group to put a road sign or banner up on their land to get in touch via harrogatefoe

@gmail.com or [email protected]

He added: "NYWAG's aim is to stop the incinerator at Allerton being built. It's not necessary. We will do this only by peaceful means. We are not associated with anyone who puts out emotive or offensive spin."

The company issued a statement yesterday in response to the protest – saying it wanted to set the record straight about a number of misconceptions which had arisen.

Project director Bill Jarvis said: "We are keen for residents to find out more about our proposals and ask questions. This open approach ensures that everyone can form a balanced view of the plans and can have their input.

"Our new mythbusters page on the website is a good starting point for information. We have already attended many meetings and events and have more public exhibitions coming up over the next two months."

Exhibitions are planned on Saturday at Marton Memorial Hall, 9am to 6pm, and on Wednesday, September 29 at Arkendale Community Hall, 9am to 6pm

Events will also take place in York, Selby, Scarborough, Skipton, Richmondshire, Ryedale and Hambleton during October and November.

Mr Jarvis denied the facility would be too big, saying its footprint was designed to meet the needs of York and North Yorkshire. Any commercial waste treated will be used to offset the cost of treating household waste thereby benefiting taxpayers.

No waste from outside the area and no hazardous waste. Proven, modern technology would recycle rubbish and create green energy from food waste. Only rubbish which cannot be recycled will be incinerated, generating electricity.

No increase in traffic was expected. The scheme would save charge payers 320m in landfill costs and both York and the county council would share in the profits.

The facility was not a pollution threat and would be independently and fully regulated by the Environment Agency, he added. The site was a quarry and landfill site, below the level of the A1 motorway next to which it sits.

Further information about the project can be found at www.allerton-waste-recovery-park.co.uk. People can also get in touch via [email protected] or on 01609 751676.