Listen live promise over Bishop's Castle biomass debate

Dozens of protesters will be able to hear crunch discussions on plans to build a £5 million biomass incinerator in a south Shropshire town through a live feed.

Officials at Shropshire Council aim to meet the demands of residents from Bishop's Castle expected to attend Wednesday's cabinet meeting at Shirehall on the controversial bid.

Councillors will reconsider plans to accept a proposal from Bishop's Castle Biomass Power for the burner on land at the town's business park.

The Shrewsbury Room, where the meeting will take place, will only hold up to 40 spectators, so council chiefs plan to open the council chamber so more people can listen to the discussion broadcast through speakers.

Gill Lawler, a member of the Bishop's Castle Group, has organised a 53-seater coach to take campaigners on the 25-mile journey from Bishop's Castle to Shrewsbury for the meeting.

More than 300 residents attended a meeting of the council's development services scrutiny committee on September 28, where members urged cabinet to reconsider their decision and to reopen the tendering process for the site.

Council leader Keith Barrow said: "We are very aware of the strong views of some residents of the town who are opposed to this development.

"These were heard at length at a special scrutiny meeting in Bishop's Castle since the cabinet's decision, which has made sure everyone had a further chance to have their say and share their views," he said.

"Our main concern is to determine where the greatest benefit lies for the whole community. We will then inform all interested parties of this decision as quickly as possible."