SO IT seems that all the legal rough and tumble regarding the Javelin Park incinerator is now over and it may be built.

However, I always think there is always a bit of “sting in the tail” regarding big issues like this.

I do not believe for a moment that the anti-incinerator campaigners have given up the good fight.

I am sure that they are thinking of a new strategy and a previously un-thought way of contesting it.

After all, if I were in their shoes, I would do the same.

Likewise, the pro-incinerator lobby will be working on the basis of another legal challenge and thinking of ways to counter it.

Again, if I was one them, I would be doing the same.

However, the thing I would really like to know is whether anyone has kept a running total of all the legal costs, expenses, cost of inquiries, consultants etc.

I am sure you get the drift and by this the costs of both sides since it will be us – the taxpayers – paying for it. After all, I have yet to see a barrister or planning consultant working on the minimum wage and nor did I see people with collecting tins in the High Street raising money for whatever side of the proverbial fence they belonged to in this long running melodrama.

Now if someone has kept a running total of the costs, perhaps they may be able to estimate the possible time by which all these costs may exceed the cost of actually building the incinerator – I keep hearing the figure of £500 million?

One thing is for certain, when the first sod is cut at Javelin Park – if it happens – for the incinerator that will be the end of the financial gravy train for all these legal experts, consultants etc – or could there still be a bit of a “sting in the tail”.

Huw Niland

Stroud