By Saul Cooke-Black

RE-ELECTED Stroud MP Neil Carmichael is calling for compensation for communities near the site of the planned Javelin Park incinerator.

Speaking to the SNJ the day after his election victory, Mr Carmichael vowed to look into negotiating a deal after Stroud District Council’s judicial review had concluded.

“The way the decision was made was not a happy experience for people nearby,” he said.

“The next step is to make it possible for communities to have at least some recompense from having it so close to them.

“We will look at setting up a consultation committee and a community fund for those living near to the incinerator.”

But Mr Carmichael insisted that the hugely controversial £500million plant near Haresfield was necessary.

“I would like to make it clear that incineration is much safer than has been suggested by some of the opponents,” he said.

“It’s also based on a much improved recycling rate that Stroud District Council must deliver.

“I represented communities affected by the building as strongly as I could at the public inquiry and I was the only candidate to formally object to the Secretary of State.

“I will continue to make sure that the community is properly taken into account during the judicial review.”

Mr Carmichael also set out his three top priorities for his second term.

Top of the list is to create a vibrant economy for Stroud.

Mr Carmichael said his party would ensure that people feltel the impact of economic growth.

Secondly, Mr Carmichael wants to make public service, such as hospitals and schools, more "accessible and properly resourced".

Thirdly, he wants to give communities more control over planning issues by encouraging neighbourhood plans.

This, he said, would also help meet demand for affordable housing.

He will also carry on campaigning for the reopening of the old at Bristol Road railway station in Stonehouse, to enable direct travel to Bristol and Birmingham.