A MAN from Ebley has decided to celebrate his 48th birthday by holding a ‘sofa party’ outside the Javelin Park incinerator site.

Anti-incinerator protester Matt Wimpress set up his sofa party yesterday, which was set to continue for 48 hours, blocking the site for construction for the rest of today.

He has brought some friends, a large vehicle which has been parked across the site gates – along with his comfortable sofa.

"Everyone is welcome," he said.

"We're aiming to keep the party going for at least 48 hours, so drop by for as long as you like.

“It's a peaceful, festive vibe here - bring family and cake, your favourite music for the stereo, or take a session on the sofa to tell the world why you think the incinerator is a huge and terrible mistake.

“We won't be obstructing the highway and there is ample parking at the garden centre next door.

“We will of course be peacefully preventing progress on the site while we are here, because as we know this project is bad for the planet, bad for our health and bad for our pockets too.

“Come along and wish me a happy birthday.”

Opposition to the incinerator in Haresfield have held regular protests at the site and at Gloucestershire County Council HQ in Shire Hall since the £500 million contract was agreed in 2013.

In June protesters stormed the council chambers during a further discussion into the contract between GCC and Urbaser Balfour Beatty and last month naked protests were staged outside Shire Hall.

They denounce the negative environmental impact which they feel incineration has, as opposed to encouraging more recycling – for which they feel the incinerator is a ‘disincentive’.

GCC has always held firm on its stance regarding the project.

Deputy leader of GCC Cllr Ray Theodoulou, said: "It is a good deal for residents - the incinerator will save taxpayers over £100m over its life, whilst protecting our environment by cutting CO2 emissions and ending our reliance on landfill."