The public's disapproval of East Sussex County Council's Waste Strategy is unequivocal and it is right that the council should make a u-turn on it. That is the view of local MP Norman Baker.
The local MP has made this statement after the publication of the county council's September 2010 fact sheet: "What will we do with waste". The fact sheet reported back on the results of the council's consultation on the draft approach to the plan for waste and minerals in East Sussex and Brighton and Hove, and the public's response was stark, with them raising widespread concern about the principle of "landraise" (building mountains of waste in the countryside) and the areas of search identified in the consultation.
98% of respondents raised concerns about the search areas for land disposal. Two such sites were identified locally - a "landraise" site near Golden Cross and a landfill site near Glynde. Both of these proposed site suggestions were last year publicly condemned by the local MP.
Commenting Norman said: "The public's response to the consultation was unequivocal and they said quite simply to the council - we do not agree with you. People are crying out for more recycling facilities, not mounds of rubbish in their green fields and the council's initial approach was something from the 15th century, not the 21st."
The council has now conceded that it needs to re-look at this issue, following the public's outrage and has stated that it is now carrying out a further review of the need for land disposal and alternatives to it The council has also committed to looking at whether it can reduce or eliminate the need for land disposal altogether.
Norman added: "Their proposals for landraise were always totally unacceptable and environmentally indefensible. They should have never have got past the drawing board Let's be grateful if they now realise that, however late in the day. In the meantime, they have caused unnecessary alarm, anger and aguish among local people."
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Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
