MID-Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston has paid a visit to the construction site of the county’s controversial incinerator facility.

Mr Huddleston, who was elected to the post previously held by Sir Peter Luff in May’s General Election, visited the construction site of EnviRecover at the Hartlebury Trading Estate recently.

The Conservative MP said he was pleased to get a look at the facility, which proved extremely controversial during the planning process.

“Whilst we must all make our own commitments to cutting our waste and recycling where we can, it is simply not feasible to expect that this alone will stop waste going to landfill,” he said.

“My visit to EnviRecover was an interesting insight into the work the facility will be doing once operational.

“Whilst I realise, like all big constructions, this was a controversial build, now that it’s been given the go ahead I know local residents will want it to operate in the best way possible.”

The £165 million incinerator was granted planning permission in July 2012 following a public inquiry and is expected to be up and running by spring 2017.

The facility will be able to convert up to 200,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste into energy and will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week all year round.

Mr Huddleston added he had been reassured the concerns of residents living in the area were being addressed.

“I was especially pleased to hear that they will also open up the plant to visits from local children for educational purposes,” he said.

“The facility will bring benefit for the environment and advantages for the taxpayer, saving around £163million. Once operational, it will generate a considerable amount of renewable electricity that will help meet a growing local need.”

Once open the facility will employ about 50 people.