Biomass burner 'would affect Bishop's Castle water supply'

Residents opposed to a controversial biomass burner planned for Shropshire town today claimed the plant could have "long term effects" for the local water supply if it is built.

Members of the Bishop's Castle Group have claimed the land on Bishop's Castle Business Park is the 'worst possible place' for a biomass plant as it lies right next to a Severn Trent Water facility.

Chris Day, spokesman for Bishop's Castle Biomass Power, said all the issues regarding potential emissions had been dealt with at a public inquiry last year.

Paula Middleton, one of the founder members of the Bishop's Castle Group in 2007, says she has written to every Shropshire councillor explaining the widespread public opposition to the project.

She has also claimed emissions of nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide could have 'long-term effects' for the water supply.

The site was provisionally earmarked for a biomass plant during a confidential discussion at a meeting of Shropshire Council's cabinet on August 3.

The decision has since been called in and will be examined by a meeting of the council's economy and environment scrutiny committee in early September.

If the decision is upheld hopes for a 2.5 acre community farm put forward by Bishop's Castle Wasteless Society will be dashed. Members of the town's allotment holders association have also claimed that the allotments on site would not be compatible with any form of incinerator.

Mrs Middleton said: "There must have been no consideration by the cabinet meeting of the long-term effects of the nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide emissions."

By Peter Kitchen