MP joins the fight to stop Walsall waste plant bid
A campaign to stop a controversial waste company relocating to a site in Walsall has received the backing of an MP.
Walsall North MP David Winnick said if AB Waste opened up a waste recycling centre in Bloxwich it would have a devastating effect on nearby residents.
More than 200 people have signed a petition against the plans which have been lodged for a vacant industrial site in Willenhall Lane. Around 100 people also attended two recent campaign meetings.
Now Mr Winnick has written to Walsall Council expressing his strong opposition to the application.
He said: "All those who spoke at the two meetings said it would be totally inappropriate for such an application to be approved by the local authority.
"The point was repeatedly made that the plant, which will apparently process up to 175,000 tons of waste a year and be in operation 24 hours a day, will have a devastating effect on the environment and their quality of life.
"My view equally is that the residents are fully justified in opposing the planning application, bearing in mind all the negative effects which are bound to arise if the recycling plant came into operation.
"Though the company will attempt to give guarantees over minimising all the inconvenience, and generally the adverse impact of what is intended, it must be obvious that it would undoubtedly cause the maximum harm and inconvenience to the everyday life of my constituents who will be affected.
"It is to be hoped, therefore, that those who will decide on the application in due course will recognise that such a plant, which as I understand it has been unwelcome in Darlaston, is also certainly unwanted where it now intends to move to. There can be no doubt that if this plant came into operation it would certainly have a devastating effect on the lives of nearby residents.
"The residents and the local councillors have justice on their side in opposing the application."
Residents have raised concerns about potential noise issues, traffic concerns and fears that it will create unpleasant smells. The proposed 24-hour waste recycling facility would handle up to 175,000 tons of waste a year. The plans are due to be considered by the council .
