THE county councillor tasked with overseeing the £500 million Javelin Park incinerator project has failed to gain support from town leaders in his ward.


Nailsworth Town Council approved a motion objecting to the plans for a mass burn facility at its meeting last Tuesday, November 20, which was attended by county councillor Stan Waddington.
 

After hearing the pros and cons, the town council failed to reach a majority and a casting vote was made by mayor Steve Robinson.
 

The town council will now write to communities secretary Eric Pickles to persuade him to 'call in' the controversial plans, taking the planning application out of Gloucestershire County Council's hands and given to an independent inspector.


Cllr Sally Thorpe proposed the motion after attending a GlosVain public meeting in Nailsworth earlier this month.
 

She said the town council should request the call in because of health risks, the cost to taxpayers and insufficient evidence that the facility is needed.


"Whilst the incinerator is 10 miles from us it would be wrong to think that it does not affect us," she said.
 

"Other reputable councils have called for a halt and we have to appreciate the scale of concern, particularly from a health aspect."


In response to information put forward by Cllr Thorpe, Cllr Waddington defended the scheme and said statements made by GlosVain were 'misleading'.
 

"I am concerned about the activities of the opponents of this scheme. It is scaremongering and completely wrong," said Cllr Waddington (Con, Nailsworth and Minchinhampton).


"If I thought there was a shred of truth in these statements about health risks I would not be promoting this plant in Gloucestershire."