Local Lib Dems take incinerator fight to Westminster

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 12th Jan 2006

Norman Baker MP & local Lib Dem councillors present petition to ODPM Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick

Local MP Norman Baker lead a delegation of local representatives to the door of Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to demand that he put the brakes on Newhaven's controversial incinerator.

Norman, Lewes District Councillor Ann De Vecchi, Newhaven Town Councillor Rod Main and Seaford District Councillor Edward Collict presented a petition from over a thousand constituents demanding that Prescott call in the Brighton and East Sussex Local Waste Plan for review to minister Jim Fitzpatrick.

Norman said, "I am pleased to have been able to take a delegation today to meet the Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick. We had a cordial meeting and were well received. We have no confidence in the County Council in this matter. They cannot be allowed to be judge and jury on their own proposals. That is why we want the government, which is independent, to review this matter."

Ann stated, "Unfortunately East Sussex County Council cannot be trusted to produce a waste plan which is environmentally sustainable, nor one which commands any real local public support. It is important that the Minister is aware of the grave shortcomings of the Council's conduct throughout the course of the Waste Plan. The Council has simply gone through the motions without any real sense of democracy or accountability toward the people they serve. This is a classic example of ivory tower arrogance."