Wirral rubbishes waste plan

Apr 15 2009 by Helen Hunt, Birkenhead News

WIRRAL is supporting other authorities in fighting plans to build giant waste-burning incinerators on Merseyside.

Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority has been drawing up detailed plans for the “thermal treatment works” since 2005.

But leading politicians, including Wirral Council leader Steve Foulkes, say they will “robustly challenge” the need for the 300,000 tonne plants.

They say schemes like the proposed Biossence plant in Eastham is the way forward.

The Hooton Park plant will use steam to clean and separate raw waste. The remaining “organic matter” will be turned into gas for power.

Cllr Foulkes said: “We have robustly challenged the level of need [for incinerators]. There are other methodologies where one can turn waste into fuel without burning anything.”

He and four other council leaders met to discuss a draft waste strategy, which it is understood, will try to change MWDA plans.

The MWDA wants to build the largest waste sites in the “vicinity” of where the M62 crosses the M57, and where the M57 crosses the East Lancs Road.

But both Knowsley and Liverpool councils have passed strongly worded policies condemning incineration.

A MWDA spokesman said they would hope to be involved in any following discussions with the councils to resolve any dispute.