WE are deeply concerned about the proposal to build an energy-from-waste incinerator on the British Sugar land in Kidderminster. There can be no doubt that emissions and waste from this facility will have a detrimental effect on the health and environment of the whole of the Wyre Forest district.

The reasons which were given for rejecting other possible sites (e.g. population density, lack of adequate road access and proximity to areas of special scientific interest) do not appear to have been applied here.

The proximity of local schools and the existing problems with childhood asthma and bronchial conditions appear to have been ignored.

Due to the natural geography of the area, the effluent from the sugar beet plant can, as local people know, become concentrated in certain weather conditions. The incinerator will be emitting an unspecified level of dioxin waste in addition to the oxides of nitrogen and sulphur.

How long will it be before increased bronchial problems appear in Wyre Forest district? Concern had now also been expressed about the possibility of childhood cancers. Because of the uncertainty and lack of factual information about levels of dioxin and other noxious waste, the county council has no right to gamble with the future health of the population of Wyre Forest.

Stourport Road is already a major bottleneck during peak times. Extra lorries will cause further problems. Diesel fumes will add further to the health risks. This problem will be further exacerbated by the closure of Hoobrook and other waste disposal sites which will inevitably follow the opening of the incinerator.

Apart from the many environmental problems associated with this proposal we are deeply concerned about the fact that the county council is also the planning authority which will be responsible for giving approval to the building of the incinerator. This would appear to present a major clash of interest. Calling in by the relevant Government minister is essential.

There are growing concerns in this district that it appears to be regarded as a "dumping ground". The proposed incinerator will have major impact on the beauty and tranquillity of a particularly attractive stretch of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal Conservation Area.

The opinion has already been expressed that where health and the new hospital are concerned we are told that the main population concentration is around Worcester. Where waste is concerned the population concentration is around Kidderminster. An explanation by relevant local government officers and the health authority is invited.

We urge the county council and Severn Waste Services to consider alternatives for waste disposal such as aerobic composting. Much more could be done locally to encourage recycling.

At a time when other countries in Europe including France, Germany, Belgium and Italy have stopped building refuse incinerators because of health risks why are we, in Wyre Forest, being faced with this threat to our health and environment?

KENNETH HOBSON,

(Chairman, Bewdley Civic Society)

NICHOLAS HUGHES (Chairman, Kidderminster Civic Society)

PAULINE ANNIS (Chairman, Stourport Civic Society)