Residents will protest a waste facility planned for Henrietta Street. They cite health and environmental worries.
He said the council keeps considering approval despite community objections. Dexter thinks it harms Bacup residents’ health, and feels the council has ignored their concerns. They offered to work with the council to find a better, greener solution, but the council did not accept this offer of help. They will work with police to keep the protest lawful.
A prior protest occurred near Futures Park in January. About 70 people attended despite cold, wet weather. Protesters’ signs showed their disagreement with the plan with slogans like “Stop the stink” and “Community Bacup. Not dump”.
The council submitted the plans in November for Henrietta Street. The plan involves demolishing a building there and building the waste facility. It also includes parking for refuse trucks, a weighbridge and storage area.
Residents worry about potential smells and traffic increases as refuse trucks will travel to the site constantly. Mark Dexter started a petition against the facility because he thinks it will hurt residents’ lives, lower property values, harm air quality, and damage the local economy. Over 1,800 people signed his petition so far.
The council said they understand residents are concerned and assessed all aspects of the project carefully. This includes costs, services, and community impact. Financially, other options aren’t sustainable and would hurt other vital services. This proposal is currently the most viable solution, according to the council.
The council claims upgrades will control odors and an advanced carbon filter system is planned. The council says it meets high environmental standards, claiming this minimizes local impact upon the area, and that they will keep residents updated. The council appreciates peaceful expression of views, respecting residents’ right to voice concerns, and wants a solution balancing cost and community impact.