Campaign launched

Devon residents against incinerators

LOCAL RESIDENTS met on 16 February to discuss forming a campaign group to oppose the building of a waste incinerator in north Devon. We chose the name D.R.A.I.N. (Devon Residents Against Incinerators), reflecting the need to campaign against the construction of an incinerator anywhere, not just against one in the centre of Barnstaple.

Councillors arrogantly dismissed Green party councillor Ricky Knight, who chaired the meeting, as "the anti" at the recent presentation of the plans to the Tory-controlled district council. Unfortunately for them, the 'antis' include most Barnstaple residents, and in coming months we will do our best to bring them into the campaign.

Our campaign does not just reject the incinerator, we propose the positive alternative of a comprehensive waste recycling facility, constructed and staffed by fully unionised labour, and owned and operated by the council. We also call for a public referendum on the issue.

The Lib Dems, who control the county council, and the Tories want to get this project done quickly behind closed doors, but we will make sure they are opposed every step of the way and their polluting plans exposed for all to see.

We will collate research on the health and environmental impact of incinerators, and challenge the council's phoney arguments in the 'consultation' period. Our plans will also involve more action, including protests, and electoral challenges. All developments will be published on www.devonsocialistparty.org as soon as they happen, with leaflets and petitions placed online to download.

Jim Lowe, North Devon Socialist Party

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