Published: Wednesday, 4th May 2022
After agreeing to oppose plans for a waste incinerator in Wisbech itself, King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council has now won the support of the county in opposing the plan.
In a written answer to a question raised by borough council leader, Councillor Stuart Dark MBE, on Tuesday, the county council’s leader said that county would also oppose the plan.
Cllr Dark said:
“This is great news. We are united with our residents in opposition to this proposal and we have been working hard to gain support from partners.
“We have been speaking with the leadership of the county council regarding the issues and our position, and this answer shows that our work behind the scenes has paid off.”
In February 2021, a motion to King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council opposing the incinerator secured overwhelming agreement among elected members.
Cllr Dark had subsequently highlighted the serious concern of local residents about the incinerator to the county council leader, Cllr Andrew Proctor, and had asked if anything could be said to alleviate that concern.
In his answer, Cllr Proctor said he understood people’s concerns about the incinerator.
He added:
“As part of the regular dialogue between Cllr Dark and myself it has been emphasised that the current capacity of the waste disposal chain is sufficient, and there are ambitious environmental plans to reduce waste levels across King’s Lynn and West Norfolk in future years.
“Based on this information as a consequence the county Council can, and will be, stating its opposition to the proposed energy from waste facility in Wisbech.”
Ginny Bucknor, campaign co-ordinator for WisWIN (Wisbech Without Incineration) said:
“We took our campaign to Norfolk County Council and had a meeting last week with King's Lynn Borough Council. This gave us an opportunity to discuss the appalling impact this mega incinerator would have on a very wide population in both Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.
“The WisWIN campaign team are delighted at Norfolk County Council's decision. We hope this means that the company proposing to build one of the largest incinerators in Europe in our small market town cannot expect contracts from either Norfolk or Cambridgeshire and therefore there will be no need for their 'service'.”