Flintshire CC urged to reject padeswood kiln

The application to build a new cement kiln at Padeswood, which will be considered later today by Flintshire County Council planning committee, should be rejected because it would pose a hazard to health and the natural environment. This is the advice which Friends of the Earth has given to the councillors.

The proposed kiln, which would burn cemfuel, tyres and other toxic materials, has been strongly opposed by many local residents and organisations.

Friends of the Earth has strongly criticised the opinion given by Dr Roberts of the North Wales Health Authority, that local people would be unlikely to suffer any harmful effects.

Gordon James of Friends of the Earth Cymru said:

"We support the criticisms that Dr Vyvyan Howard of Liverpool University has made of Dr Roberts' study. In particular, we believe that the health impact of the emission of dioxins and ultra fine particles has been seriously underestimated."

"We also believe that the proposal would have a harmful impact on vegetation. The Government's environmental watchdog in Wales, the Countryside Council for Wales, has warned that the emissions would cause air quality standards for vegetation to be exceeded."

Flintshire Friends of the Earth spokesperson, Shelley Booth, added:

"The widespread local concern about this proposal to burn hazardous wastes is clearly justified. The potential threats to human health and the natural environment are unacceptable. The councillors should respond to these genuine concerns by totally rejecting this unwelcome proposal."