Liberal Democrat Leader expresses outrage at Tory secrecy over incinerator proposals

7.20.00pm GMT Thu 4th Dec 2008

Liberal Democrat group leader Kathy Pollard has expressed outrage at the secrecy surrounding site selection for the proposed incinerator sites in Suffolk. The Conservatives confirmed only the day before the announcement that sites in both Sproughton and Great Blakenham have been earmarked for consultation.

Mrs. Pollard, who is the County Councillor for Sproughton, commented "When the County Council started looking for a site we always knew that Great Blakenham and Sproughton would be possibilities. It just so happens they are both in areas with Liberal Democrat councillors. The only advance notification I received was an email on the Sunday afternoon prior to the announcement this Monday. I suppose I should consider myself lucky to have received that!"

"Liberal Democrat councillors and parish councils are being treated with contempt by the ruling Conservative group at Suffolk County Council. I will now be seeking any information I can get on the site selection criteria. However, with the cloak of secrecy being drawn by the Tories I don't anticipate it will be easy to get any information at all."

"In response to the consultation, we will be pressing for mechanical biological treatment, rather than incineration. I will need to make sure that Sproughton residents are kept fully informed so that they can participate fully in the very short consultation process."

The announcement about the selection of the Great Blakenham site had previously been made when the Conservatives knew that the local councillor, John Field was chairing a council meeting, and therefore could not speak to the press. Councillor Field added "This is the kind of disrespect we have come to expect from the Conservatives. It is very difficult for council staff who have to work in an environment where they are clearly being told not to divulge information to us."