A leading councillor has put his reputation on the line by guaranteeing no incinerator will be built in Basildon during his tenure.
Stephen Hillier, portfolio holder for regeneration and environment, made the pledge during a heated meeting of Basildon's full council.
The threat of an incinerator has hung over the Courtauld Road site in Pitsea for some years now, despite promises from Essex County Council.
Environment campaigner Rob Hill asked why Basildon Council wasn't doing more to remove a controversial clause from the Essex waste management plan that he believes will allow contractors to build an incinerator.
Mr Hillier (Con, Langdon Hills) said: "In terms of a guarantee, whilst I am the portfolio holder of the environment the policy will be for there to be no incinerators in this district.
"That clause is in the waste management plan not because of Basildon Council or Essex County Council, but because the Government inspector decided we needed a view on incinerators."
Mr Hillier said that while Basildon would not get an incinerator, it did need to do something about waste.
Published Tuesday May 25, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article