TRA Newsletter - Allerton Incinerator - DEFRA Want Your View - 4 days to respond 

(posted 05th September 2010)

Click Here

 

Massive Mass Burn Incinerator Planned for Allerton - Action Required 

(posted 01st September 2010)

North Yorkshire County Council will shortly apply for planning permission to build a massive incinerator at Allerton between Harrogate/Knaresborough and York. The incinerator with a 280ft chimney will be part of a waste processing station that will serve the whole of North Yorkshire.

 

The plans include only limited recycling and as a result the plant will burn hundreds of thousands of tonnes of waste which could and should be recycled or reused. The plant will needlessly pour pollution into the atmosphere and produce massive volumes of carbon dioxide.

 

A new group, North Yorkshire Waste Action Group (NYWAG), is opposing the plans but they need support, and in particular they need residents to write to North Yorkshire to object against the plans.

 

Please take a look at the NYWAG website and help if you can.

NYWAG Website

 

Radio York Interview - TRA speaks out against the potential rebuilding of BCB plant 

(posted 24th August 2010)

TRA spokesman Clive Billenness was recently interviewed on Radio York and has outlined the TRA's opposition to any plans to re-establish a new hazardous waste transfer station on Marston Moor Business Park. BCB's latest fire, the third in as many years, has cleary demonstrated the dangers posed to Tockwith and surrounding areas by their hazardous waste operation. The TRA is determined that further, potentially dangerous, operations should not be built so close to Tockwith village. Discussions are underway with the various authorities involved to investigate options for preventing any new plant from being established.  

 

Radio York Interview - Listen Here

 

BCB Fire Update and Agency Contact Details

(posted 14th August 2010)

The TRA have been very concerned by the lack of advice and information from the authorities with respect to the BCB fire earlier this week. We have tried our best to find out as much information as possible, please find a summary below. If anyone has any further information to share then we ask that people put this information on the forum Tockwith together so everyone can access it.

Statement from Harrogate Borough Council:

13 August 2010

Following the fire at BCB Environmental on the 11^th August many residents have expressed concerns regarding the effects on health and the local area.

^{The fire itself was brought under control quickly and this is the most important issue with regard to the emissions and risks associated with any chemical material that was burning. This is now the subject of an investigation and hopefully further information will be available at a later time.}

^{Harrogate Borough Council Environmental Services have visited The Green Tockwith and collected small amounts of black fire debris, which had landed on the area. Some larger pieces of building insulation were removed from this area on the day of the fire. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue had advised that the debris was building fabric and was not hazardous and there is no asbestos present.}

^{Following complaints of odour, officers from the Environmental Protection Team visited the site on the morning of Friday 13 August no odours were identified on the Prince Rupert Drive Estate at the time of the visit. Some odour was evident close to the source of the fire on the Marston Moor Business Park. It is anticipated that the odour will diminish over the next few days. Officers will continue to monitor the area if residents are concerned about residual odours and smoke then they should close their doors and windows.}

^{BCB have accepted responsibility for the clean up of the site and will be working with all relevant agencies.}

^{Whilst any risk to the health of residents in the area of the fire is now minimal, any smoke can consist of a mixture of gases, liquid droplets and solid particles representing the decomposition and combustion products from fires. Any smoke can be an irritant and if you need to be outdoors and ash is still visible in outside areas, you should limit the time you spend in these areas, as a precautionary measure.}

^{Some of the substances present in smoke can irritate the lining of the air passages, the skin and the eyes and chemicals in the smoke can worsen existing health problems like asthma. Currently, there have been no cases of serious illness reported due to the fire. However, if you are concerned that you may be ill as a result of the fire, you should seek medical advice or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.}

^{Advice for fruit and vegetables growing in gardens and allotments is that sensible precautions can be taken. Don’t eat anything that appears to have suffered visible smoke damage and thoroughly wash/peel other produce before cooking/eating. If anything tastes unusual, don’t eat it.}

^{Additional Information we have received (courtesy of the York Press):}

<sup>A spokeswoman for the Environment Agency said they had mobilised their national air quality team at the beginning of the incident, who visited the site and made a visual assessment of the fire. They concluded that because the plume of smoke was dispersing and was being blown away, there was no immediate risk to the environment. The long-term air quality is the responsibility of Harrogate Borough Council’s Environmental Health arm, she said. Harrogate Borough Council’s Environmental Health unit yesterday visited the village to clear up debris from the fire that had been blown into public spaces. A spokeswoman for the council said the debris didn’t contain asbestos as some feared because the building had been new. She said Environmental Health had looked at the debris and considered it not to be harmful. On Wednesday, the council said that if the debris was from the fire they would ask BCB to organise a clean up using specialist contractors. However, it said yesterday the council was happy to do it as part of its environmental health duties. The council said it had not received a list of the substances that were being kept in the building. The Environment Agency has been pumping water out of Fleet Beck after a handful of fish were found dead. The agency, which has blocked the beck at Fleet Bridge said it was likely to be continuing the pumping over the weekend.

Statement from the HPA
A spokesperson for the Health Protection Agency, said: "Whilst the fire was burning we worked closely with the emergency services to advise on any potential health effects arising from the fire, and supported their precautionary advice for people in the area to stay indoors and keep their doors and windows closed. Whilst any risk to the public health of those residents in the area of the fire is now minimal, any smoke can consist of a mixture of gases, liquid droplets and solid particles representing the decomposition and combustion products from fires. Smoke can be an irritant and if people need to be outdoors and ash is still visible in outside areas, they are advised to limit the time that they spend in these areas, as a precautionary measure. Some of the substances present in smoke can irritate the lining of the air passages, the skin and the eyes and chemicals in the smoke can worsen existing health problems like asthma. Whilst there have been no cases of serious illness due to the fire reported by
local health services, we’re aware that some residents have health concerns. If local residents are concerned that they may be ill as a result of the fire, they should seek medical advice or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647."</sup>

^{Other useful numbers should you require more information:}

^{Harrogate Borough Council 0845 300 6091 and ask for Environmental Health.}

^{HBC Emergency Out of Hours Environmental Health 0845 7089190.}

^{Environment Incident Hotline 0800 807060.}

^{Environment Agency Case contact – Craig McGarvey – 0113 213 4602.}

^{Health Protection Agency - North Yorkshire Team 01904 567675.}

^{Emergency Planning Unit at Harrogate Borough Council 01423 556014}

^{Thank you to everyone who has contacted us over the last few days with information.}

 

 

Massive fire and explosions destroy BCB Environmental Hazardous Waste Site

(posted 11th August 2010)

Just after 4am this morning Tockwith residents were awoken by the sound of explosions coming from the Marston Moor Business Park, just a few hundred metres from a large residential housing area. The cause was a major fire at BCB Environmental´s hazardous waste transfer staion. This is the third fire at the plant in as many years and follows a lucky escape in June 2009 when eleven fire appliances were called to a smaller fire.

 

It appears that today´s fire has completely destroyed the plant and residents have reported large holes being blown in the building by several explosions. Local news stations are reporting that smoke can be seen from as far away as Thirsk.

 

The TRA, residents and Parish councils from throughout the area have opposed BCB´s plans for a hazardous waste incinerator on the site and one of the major concerns was safety following the shambolic record at the plant. BCB were fined 40,000 pounds earlier this year for a health and safety breach and many residents were surprised when this was reduced to 15,000 following appeal.

 

We have previously expressed residents concerns that waste treatment plants should not be built near to populated areas and have on many occasions made the authorities aware of the poor safety record at BCB´s plant. We now expect the authorities to act to prevent a further occurence.

 

The TRA will now call for a full enquiry into the cause of BCB´s latest fire where lives were clearly put at risk from explosions, fire and smoke.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-10935574

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etpYc2sjNx4

 

Stop NYCC's Mass Burn Incinerator at Allerton Park - Urgent Action Required NOW!

(posted 25th July 2010)

Details of North Yorkshire County Councils proposal are starting to appear and they are shocking. This document provides details http://publicaccess.harrogate.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=L5G6LTHY06A00 and includes the following figures:

 

Total Waste to be processed : 320,000 tonnes pa.

Recycle                  : 11,500 tpa (we suspect this should be 111,500 tpa)

Anaerobic Digestion : 40,000 tpa

Incineration             : 166,000 tpa

NYCC are therefore intending to incinerate over 50% of their waste which is shocking! 

 

Many cities throughout the world are recycling close to 100% of their waste and even in this country Oxfordshire recycles 70%.

 

This is a preposterous proposal and we believe that NYCC should sort out their recycling before going for mass disposal through incineration.

 

A new group, North Yorkshire Waste Action Group (NYWAG) has been set up to fight this insane proposal and we recommend our members visit thier website for more information and to object. Harrogate Borough Council will shortly consider a scoping statement for the proposal and your views would be welcomed - see the link below.

http://www.nywag.org/ 

  

Conservatives Block Public Debate on NYCC's Mass Burn Incinerator at Allerton

(posted 25th July 2010)

It appears that NYCC have no Plan B for their waste strategy and in an anti-democratic move all but one Conservative councillor voted against a public debate on the subject at a meeting last week. John Savage, our local councillor was the only Conservative to support the motion in favour of a public debate.

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/Tory-angered-as-incinerator-public.6437820.jp

 

North Yorkshire County Council appear to want to push through the new incinerator even though it would damage jobs and the environment. The project will cost North Yorkshire tax payers £1.4 billion over it's lifetime. Councils all over the world have developed waste strategies that avoid disposal through incineration and it appears that NYCC have, yet again, failed to come up with a coherent strategy.

 

David Cameron Backs Local Communities and Seeks Alternatives to Incineration

(posted 01st July 2010)

David Cameron gave an assurance yesterday in Prime Ministers Question Time that alternatives to incineration should be sought and decisions made locally to find the best technology and the greenest approach. Burning waste that could be reused or recycled is not a green solution. Energy from Waste is highly inefficient, pollutes the air we breath and creates massive amounts of carbon dioxide. Listen Here.

 

Tockwith Airfield Planning Contravention Notice

(amended 01st July 2010)

Harrogate Borough Council (HBC) have served a planning enforcement notice in relation to potential planning breaches on the airfield. These include a long list of activities from racing to residential caravans. HBC are asking members of the public to contact them with any knowledge they may have of these activities.

Click here for details.

 

NYCC to divert Landfill to Airfill - Massive Local Waste Incinerator Planned

(posted 30th June 2010)

NYCC have announced plans for a massive incinerator as part of a new waste facility to be sited at Allerton, between Harrogate and York. The site will include Recycling and Anaerobic Digestion technology but the Incinerator itself is expected to burn around 200,000 tonnes of waste per year. Virtually all of this could be recycled or reused and disposal of valuable resources using this old fashioned approach to waste management would be a terrible waste.

 

There is a huge amount of evidence worldwide that shows just how damaging waste disposal incinerators are. Everyone knows about the heath risks, although the government is in denial, and about the damage to the environment. However this is a terrible technology in other ways too. Incinerators are wildly expensive, £65m in the first year and £1.25 billion over it's lifetime - you the tax payer will be paying for this despite the current austerity measures. Incinerators also prevent recycling as they have to be fed once built; they cost jobs in recycling/reuse and they prevent the take up of new and better emerging technologies due to their capital investment and 25 year lifespan.

 

A conference was recently held at Allerton Castle to discuss waste strategy options. Paul Connett gave an excellent presentation covering the many reasons why incineration is such a poor choice. The presentation is available on YouTube in five parts and is highly recommended. If you are interested in learning more and have limited time take a look at this.

Available by clicking here or searching YouTube for "Connett Allerton" 

 

It is not too late to stop this from being built but it will take massive public pressure. Several organisations are preparing to oppose the plans which will go to North Yorkshire County Councillors for approval later this year. If this is to be stopped these organisations need your help, and even just a few minutes of your time could make a big difference.

 

NYCC will be canvassing views on the plans and we ask that you consider registering to be included in the consultation.

Click here to Register.

 

One of the organisations opposing the plans is DISC, a group set up to oppose NYCC's original plans for this incinerator when it was to be built at Dalton. Research undertaken by DISC subsequently led them to the view that any use of mass burn incineration for waste management is wrong, and they will fight the new proposal to base the incinerator at Allerton. 

 

DISC successfully defeated the plans for Dalton's incinerator, but only with tremendous support from the local population. They now need the support of all residents to stop this ill thought through scheme.

Click here for the latest DISC newsletter.

 

BCB Fail to Appeal against NYCC Planning Refusal - New!
(posted 30th June 2010)

After issuing a press release stating that "Stephen Tromans QC, one of the UK’s leading barristers in this field", would represent BCB in an appeal, BCB have failed to submit the appeal before the six month deadline. No reason has been provided by BCB, however they still have the option to re-submit the application and we are monitoring the situation.

 

The new government is supporting communities in making local decisions and for finding better alternatives to incineration. Mr Cameron made the point in Prime Ministers Question TIme today Click here to listen. Any re-submission by BCB will of course be rigorously opposed.

 

World Cup Competition 

(posted 02nd June 2010)

Tension is building with the World Cup just around the corner, but who will win?

Join us in a bit of fun to predict the winners and losers, if you're the best you'll win a bottle of bubbly, if not you will still be helping to defend Tockwith against BCB's incinerator. Give it a go now, details on the Events Page.

 

BCB Appeal -  TRA to Appoint Independent Barrister and Subject Matter Experts

(posted 08th May 2010, updated 01st June 2010)

BCB have announced their intention to appeal against the planning permission refusal issued by North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) in December 2009.  This was always anticipated and Tockwith Residents’ Association has been meeting regularly and working with Tockwith with Wilstrop Parish Council over the past few months to formulate the strongest possible response to this action.

NYCC will defend their own reasons for refusing the application very robustly but these are limited.  We have been strongly advised that all of the major objections need to be raised at the appeal, which is likely to be held as a 10 day Public Inquiry somewhere in this area. Other grounds for objection can be presented to the Planning Inspector, but this will require us to appoint a barrister, an expert in planning law, and professional experts in fields such as air quality, visual impact and noise.

 
Significant progress has already been made in organising our defence against the BCB appeal. Consultation has taken place with all the local and Parish councils that objected to BCB’s application to agree the best course of action. We are delighted to announce that we have unanimous agreement that the best approach will be for a single united group to be established to represent the interests of all objectors at the appeal. It is hoped that Tockwith with Wilstrop Parish Council will take the lead role in the group once BCB’s appeal has been formalised. The group will also work closely with NYCC to provide a united front against BCB’s appeal.

 
This will be expensive with costs anticipated in the region of £40,000, however this would be a fraction of the immediate financial, and long-term potential health, and environmental, damage that would be suffered by Tockwith and the whole surrounding area should BCB win the appeal. 

The TRA have been working hard in the background to raise funds and a combination of some very generous recent donations, and residual funds remaining from last years campaign, mean we are now nearly half-way towards raising our target of £50,000. This allows us to appoint our advisors and our chosen planning barrister, who is an expert in this field.

We are already in a good position, but to ensure we have sufficient funds, we need residents and local people/businesses to assist with this final push.  A schedule of fund raising events is planned but we will also need further individual donations.

 
There are around 1,100 dwellings in Tockwith and if each household were to donate an average of £20 we will be able to mount the most efficient and effective defence at appeal, we need your continued support.

 

We are now approaching the final battle in what has been a very long struggle to prevent this incinerator from blighting our community, but the stakes are high, so please donate what you can. Every pound increases the chance of a successful outcome.
 

BCB Press Release

 

Airfield Noise - Monitoring and Information Required - NEW!

(posted 09th May 2010)

A Noise Abatement Notice was served on Mr Moore on 25th March however this is being taken to appeal and Harrogate Borough Council (HBC) are asking that residents continue to gather evidence of any airfield noise that affects them. A monitoring form <click here> is available and this should be completed and returned to HBC. Please let Alison Tierney (Environmental Health Officer) know that you are completing a form and she will ask for it to be returned at the appropriate time. Alison can be contacted on 01423-556867 or alison.tierney@harrogate.gov.uk.

 

Some residents have reported a reduction in noise since the Noise Abatement Notice was served on 25th March . If affected and you have noticed a reduction it is very important that you bring this to Alison's attention. Please drop her an email to let her know how the noise has changed, state to what extent you were affected by the noise before and after the order was served.

 

Mr Moore has also been served with a Planning Contravention Notice. The notice covers the many activities being undertaken on the airfield and HBC are gathering evidence about each one - details are available via this link http://www.harrogate.gov.uk/planning.

 

If you have any evidence regarding the activities please contact Barry Gill at HBC (barry.gill@harrogate.gov.uk). Again this is very important. Photographs and any dates relating to when activities started are particulary useful but your observations may also help to establish whether planning permission exists for the activities being undertaken.   

 

BCB Fined £40,000 for Health and Safety Breaches at Tockwith

(posted 27th March 2010)

One of the key concerns of objectors to BCB's rejected incinerator plan was the track record of BCB following incidents at the site. It appears that an investigation following the 2008 fire, by the Health and Safety Executive and police, discovered serious issues at the plant. BCB pleaded guilty to three offences at Harrogate Magistrates Court and have reportedly been fined £40,000 + £6110 costs.

http://www.clickgreen.org.uk/news/national-news/121173-recycling-industry-warned-over-safety-standards-after-firm-fined.html 

http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/5198364.BCB_Environmental_Management_Ltd__of_Marston_Business_Park_fined___40_000/

 

Councils and Local Businesses Unite to Fight Incinerator Appeal

(posted 24th March 2010)

Tockwith Residents Association recently held a meeting to explore the available options should BCB appeal.  The meeting held in Tockwith School on Thursday 11th March was attended by representatives from Tockwith with Wilstrop Parish Council, local businesses, Wetherby Council and surrounding Parish Councils,speakers included:

 

·         Graeme Dent (Chair of Governors Tockwith School and  TRA Committee Member)

·         John Savage (District and Local Councillor)

·         Clive Billenness (TRA Committee Member and Tockwith with Wilstrop PC)

·         Norman Waller (Deputy Chairman Tockwith with Wilstrop PC)

 

An appeal would be held as a Public Inquiry at a local venue arranged by North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) and whilst NYCC are expected to defend their reasons for planning refusal we have been advised that there are other strong reasons for refusal that should also be heard.  A Public Inquiry makes provision for interested parties to give evidence under Rule 6.6 and this will allow all of the main reasons for objection to be considered and not just the ones NYCC refused the application on.

 

Tockwith Residents Association has been working closely with a Tockwith with Wilstrop Parish Council Working Group to bring together local businesses, residents and parish/local councils to form a united rule 6.6 objector. This meeting was the first step in engaging with interested parties and discussing how we can most effectively prepare our case.   The plan received unanimous approval from attendees and we are now working towards all the key objectors being represented by a single representative organisation as this will add significant weight to our case.

 

If you are a local business and would like to join this group please let us know.

 

09/04337/FUL Tomlinson Antiques Tockwith

(posted 23rd March 2010)

Having attended a meeting with the applicants in the above case, the Tockwith Residents Association are satisfied that this application, subject to appropriate planning conditions in relation to noise emissions and hours of operation, is in the general interests of the area as it will promote rural employment opportunities. The Tockwith Residents Association therefore withdraw their objections to this application dated 26 February 2010 submitted by Mrs Caroline Alliott and 28 February 2010 submitted by Mr Paddy Gastrell.

 

PTA Family Disco - Friday 26th March

(posted 08th March 2010)

Tockwith PTA are holding a family disco for Easter, including Bar, Snacks and the Lee's "Infamous" Bingo. All welcome, come and join the fun!

Click here for details

 

February Newsletter  - Update on BCB Appeal and Motor Racing at Tockwith

(posted 14th February 2010)

Preparations are underway to have everything in place to fight any appeal by BCB and we have also been asked to make residents aware of what appears to be plans for Tockwith to become a UK centre for motor sport. There have been a growing number of complaints about noise from the airfield and many residents seem unaware that this follows the constructions of a new race track during 2009. Further development appears to be planned following heavy restrictions being placed on racing at Croft, which was the main centre in the North East.

 

Click here for the February Newsletter

 

The following links provide additional information:

www.rallycrossopen.com/psmopentorque.php

www.javelintrackdays.co.uk/trackday

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/4076123.Croft_Circuit_loses_noise_appeal/

 

Any concerns regarding potential motor sport activities at Tockwith should be addressed to the Harrogate Council Chief Enforcement Officer, Barry Gill at barry.gill@harrogate.gov.uk. Please also copy the Parish Council at parish.clerk@tockwith.gov.uk .

 

What Happens Next - Public Inquiry?

(posted 15th December 2009)

What happens next will depend on whether BCB go to appeal. Whilst we believe the odds are stacked against them overturning NYCC's decision, given the many reasons against such a facility in this location, we do acknowledge that they may try.

 

Our advisors have indicated that the level of public interest, including objections from 12 Parish Councils and approaching 800 individuals, will mean that any appeal would be heard as a Public Inquiry. In this case NYCC will be expected to defend their reasons for refusal and we are pleased to note that planning officer Vicky Perkin stressed at Tuesday's meeting that in her professional opinion the reasons for refusal are robust and defensible at appeal. Many objectors have however expressed concern that NYCC's reasons were not, in their opinion, as robust as they could have been. If you have concerns in this area you will be pleased to know that this should not prove to be an issue. Whilst NYCC will only defend the reasons they gave for refusal, any formal parties (Rule 6) to a public enquiry, such as the TRA and the Parish Council, will be able to raise all valid objection reasons for consideration. 

 

These include visual amenity, emissions, public fear, proximity of waste source, loss of jobs, the on-going viability of our school, noise, odours, vermin etc etc. It is also worth noting that new, tighter, limits on emissions have been announced since our air impact analysis was undertaken which adds further weight to our case.

 

Should BCB appeal we will rigorously support NYCC's defence of their rejection of this application, using all means and reasons at our disposal. This will be costly and a significant fund raising exercise is being prepared in anticipation. We will need significant support from everyone to achieve this however we are also investigating the potential for recovering some, or all, costs following a successful defence.

 

Finally, many thanks for the deluge of emails we have received thanking the committee and all of those involved for their personal time and effort, it has been hard work and it is appreciated. We would also like to thank everyone for the massive support and generous donations over the past two years.

 

The new year may bring a new fight, if it does we are prepared, in the meantime we wish everyone a peaceful and happy Christmas.      

 

North Yorkshire County Councillors Unanimously Reject BCB Application 

(posted 15th December 2009)

North Yorkshire County Councillors have today unanimously refused BCB planning permission for a hazardous waste incinerator at Tockwith. As expected, the BCB managing director has stated that he will recommend to his board that an appeal against the decision be launched.

 

Residents in Tockwith and surrounding villages have resolved to fight any appeal and would make a rigourous case at a public enquiry, which may be the result of an appeal given the level of public interest.

 

There has been widespread media coverage today, here are a few links from the internet:

BBC News

Wetherby News

The Press

 

We would just like to thank everyone for their support over the last two years and thank everyone who helped us with this campaign,  From delivering leaflets to financial donations. The whole community have pulled together and got the decision we all wanted. We really appreciate the great turnouts we have had over the last few weeks at various events, especially so close to Christmas when we are all so busy.

 

We would once again like to thank everyone for their support and we wish you a Very Happy (BCB Free) Christmas and a peaceful 2010!

 

URGENT - Your Presence In Northallerton is Essential!!

(posted 10th December 2009)

Whilst it is good news that NYCC have recommended councillors refuse BCB's application the reasons provided are not robust. There is a very high risk that even if councillors reject the application BCB will attempt to address the reasons and either go to appeal or be back with a new Application next year.

 

There is still an opportunity to prevent this but it will be an uphill struggle and we hope to see hundreds of objectors at the meeting in Northallerton next Tuesday to show councillors how much we care about our village (see below for details of the meeting). 

 

Many residents don't have access to this website, please discuss this with your neighbours and make them aware of the issue. We have a chance to secure the future of our village on Tuesday, if we don't we could be back to square one next year. Please make the effort to attend, this is so important.

Message from Nigel Adams

 

North Yorkshire Recommends Councillors Reject BCB Application at Next Weeks Meeting

(posted 08th December 2009)    

North Yorkshire County Council Planning Department have today recommended that councillors refuse planning permission for BCB's application when it is brought before the planning committee next week. Whilst this is welcome news it is not the end of the matter. Even if councillors follow the recommendation and reject the application BCB have stated their intention to go to appeal. It is therefore absolutely vital that as many objectors as possibe attend the meeting in Northallerton on Tuesday 15th December as this demonstration of opposition will provide strong evidence to present to any appeal hearing. Many volunteers have put thousands of hours of their own time into fighting this application, this is YOUR chance to stand up and be counted, please make it count.

The meeting will be held at 10:00am at the Council Chamber, County Hall, Northallerton. Anyone wishing to reserve a seat on a bus please phone 358840.

Click Here for Recommendation

Click Here for Map of Northallerton and County Hall

 

B1224 Chalks Up 5th Accident in a week

(posted 08th December 2009)    

Yet another accident occured on the B1224 yesterday with the vehicle ending up in a field after hitting standing water. This is the fifth serious accident since the 30th of November and further evidence that this road is not safe for any vehicle, least of all HGV's.

 

Further Accidents on the B1224

(posted 06th December 2009)    

It has been brought to our attention that there were actually three accidents on the B1224 between Tockwith and Wetherby on 30th November caused by vehicles hitting the puddling on the side of the road. In these conditions vehicles drive towards the middle of the road and it is only a question of time before there is a head on collision. As things stand the driver in one of these accidents is lucky to be alive and this adds further weight to the unsuitability of this road for HGV's.

New photo added to the Road Issues Section Click Here.

 

Conservative Chairman Eric Pickles Visits Tockwith

(posted 03rd December 2009)   

Conservative Chairman, Eric Pickles, visits Tockwith with Nigel Adams, prospective Conservative MP for the area, to add support to the campaign to stop BCB from building a hazardous waste incinerator in the village.  Eric met with representatives of Tockwith Primary, Tockwith Parish Council and Tockwith Residents Association”. 

Photograph1, Photograph2

 

Yet Another Serious Accident on the B1224 at Tockwith

(posted 03rd December 2009)   

Another vehicle was involved in an accident on the B1224 at Tockwith yesterday morning around 8:00am. Police and Ambulance were in attendance at the site where the car involved was upside down in a hedge. This follows another accident on Monday when a car overturned after hitting standing water. (Click here for photos). This road has been proved to be highly dangerous by the numerous accidents and residents who use the road regularly are deeply concerned that the additional HGV vehicles associated with BCB's application would further exacerbate the situation.

 

North Yorkshire County Councillors Visit Tockwith (posted 01st December 2009)   

A party of North Yorkshire Councillors today visited BCB's site, Westfield Green and Tockwith School to see at first hand what issues would be caused by BCB's proposed incinerator. Hundreds of residents turned out to let them know just what they think of BCB's proposal.

 

The next critical date is Tuesday 15th December when Councillors will decide whether to approve the application. It is absolutely vital that as many residents as possible attend this meeting in Northallerton - not all of the councillors attended the site visit today and they all need to see the strength of opposition on the day. Transport will be available - please call 358840 to book a seat on a bus, first come first served.   

Click Here for Photographs of the Demonstration

TV Coverage 1

Video Interviews

Yorkshire Post Article

 

Dangerous B1224 Claims Yet Another Accident Yesterday

(posted 01st December 2009)   

The B1224 which would be used to transport all of BCB's hazardous waste was the scene of yet another accident yesterday when a friend of a TRA  Committee member rolled her car in standing water, thankfully her injuries are not life threatening. The B1224 has been closed on three occasions this year due to accidents. See the photographs on the Road Issues Page - Click Here. 

 

Radio York Interviews - Listen Again Here(posted 30th November 2009)   

Dr Dominic Curran, Research Scientist, interviewed regarding BCB's Proposed Incinerator. "Disaster for the Environment", "Massive Carbon Dioxide Generator", "I will leave Tockwith like a shot if it's built". (Click here to listen) (Note, this one may take a few minutes to download, but it's well worth the wait).

Chairman of Tockwith Primary School Board of Governers, Graeme Dent, Interviewed (Click here to listen) 

Further news item on the Application. (Click here to listen)

Local Scientist says he will leave Tockwith if BCB Plans Approved. (Click here to listen)

(Note, you will need to have an MP3 player such as Windows Media Player of Real Player installed to play these files).

 

Site Visit - "Home James" to Run Free Shuttle Bus to the Business Park

(posted 28th November 2009)   

"Home James" have offered to provide a free shuttle service running between The Green and the Business Park. This will operate from 09:30 on Tuesday 1st December. Seats will be on a first come first served basis however if you would like to book a seat please contact Jamie at jamiebwebb@hotmail.com.

 

Site Visit Tuesday 1st December - Further Information

(posted 23rd November 2009)   

Further details of the site visit and the residents protest can be found on the link below. TLDP, our consultants, believe the visit will be a major influence on whether councillors ultimately decide to approve planning permisision for the incinerator. We can't stress enough the importance of as many people as possible attending, and also of posters being put up in your gardens/windows in time for the visit. Despite all the publicity it seems that many people are still unaware of the visit, please discuss this with your freinds and neighbours and tell them how important it is that they attend.

Click here for details of how to SAY NO TO BCB.

Click here for Press Coverage

 

Poster Download - Show You Care Now!

(posted 23rd November 2009)   

Our consultants have told us it is critical that Councillors feel the strength of opposition to the incinerator when they visit Tockwith on Tuesday and have asked that everyone in the village puts up a poster in their garden. You can download a poster on the link below.

click here for a Poster 

 

York Green Party Slams Tockwith Incinerator Scheme

(posted 23rd November 2009)   

Green Party Councillor Dave Taylor has called on North Yorkshire County Council to prevent the building of a gasification incinerator in Tockwith, 5 miles outside York. Dave has called the proposals "ugly, speculative and dangerous."

Click here for full story.

 

Two Critically Important Dates for Your Diary - Updated!

(posted 17th November 2009)   

Whether you live in Tockwith or one of the surrounding villages please put these dates in your diary.

 

Tuesday 1st December 10am - NYCC Councillors Visit to Tockwith & Incinerator Site. We need as many people as possible out holding banners and placards to show the level of feeling against the incinerator. Also we are asking all Tockwith residents to put posters in their windows and, perhaps more importantly, in their gardens (click here for a Poster). Further information to follow.

 

Tuesday 15th December - NYCC Councillors meet in Northalleron to decide whether to allow BCB to build a Hazardous Waste Incinerator at Tockwith. We need everyone to attend this meeting, further details to follow as they become available. 

Transport will be provided - please call 358840 to book a seat on a bus, first come first served.

 

For many of us, attending these events will mean taking time off work. Unfortunately our advisers tell us that showing our strength of feeling against the incinerator to councillors is absolutely critical, we therefore urge everyone to attend. The team that has been fighting this applications for the last two years has voluntarily put in tens of thousands of hours of their own time, please support them, support Tockwith, and support the Vale of York, by attending these events, it is so important. 

 

Explosion at US Hazardous Waste Incinerator

(posted 15th November 2009)   

We have been told that a hazardous waste incinerator in Tockwith would be safe but the evidence is that these plants should not be built near populated areas and preferably they should not be built at all. BCB have had two fires and an emergency due to a leaking drum of chemicals at their existing site since submitting their plans for a hazardous waste incinerator. Scientific evidence shows that incinerator emissions are harmful and that incidents around the world at incinerator plants are common place.  The link below gives details of an explosion at an incinerator in the US in 2005 which was also close to local population. The explosion occurred as a drum of chemicals was being loaded into the incinerator and this was just one incident at the plant which has suffered multiple deaths  and has multiple citations for emitting pollutants. Despite the problems at the plant they have this year received permission to extend their incineration to include infectious waste, including Anthrax. Think this couldn't happen in Tockwith? Don't risk it, object now.

Explosion at US Hazardous Waste Incinerator

Explosion followed by permission to process higher risk materials

 

Second Public Meeting - Wednesday 25th November 2009

(posted 12th November 2009)   

We have been inundated with requests for information following last week's public meeting where local PhD Chemist Dr Dominic Curran delivered a stunning presentation on the facts behind incineration. It appears that those who were able to attend have passed on their experiences to friends and neighbours and the response has been phenomenal. As a result of this a second public meeting has been arranged at Tockwith School (8pm on Wednesday 25th November). This meeting will include a presentation by Dr Dominic Curran revealing incineration, stripped of it's so called "green" credentials, as a massive emitter of CO2 greenhouse gas and harmful emissions. If you take the view that the UK government would not permit an industry to harm residents this will challenge your assumptions. Members of the TRA committee will also be available to take questions and provide an update on current events.  If you attended the last meeting there will be nothing new at this one but please pass your experiences on to others. If you were unable to attend the last meeting and you live within the Vale of York you really should consider attending this meeting.  

 

A really Quick Way to Object to BCB's Hazardous Waste Incinerator - Do It Now!!

(posted 09th November 2009)   If you haven't already objected to BCB's plans to build a hazardous waste incinerator in Tockwith there is now a really quick and easy way to object - it almost does it for you, it takes just a minute and it's not too late!

Clicking the link below will generate an email that just needs your name and address adding and a single sentence of objection before you click send, and it's done. It takes just a minute but remember to include your name and address or your objection won't count. You can add as many reasons for objection as you like but you should add at least one and it can be anything. For example, concerns about health and emissions, the visual impact of the 40m (130ft) chimney in our flat landscape, it's close proximity to residents the school and playgrounds, risk of fire or explosion, the constant stream of lorries that would be required to feed the incinerator, loss of jobs as businesses relocate, the vast amounts of CO2 it would produce - contravention of the Kyoto protocol etc.

Go on, do it now, just 1 minute of your time and your objection could make a massive difference - and don't forget that everyone in your family can object, each one counts as a separate objection. NB. Please do not use this link if you have already objected.

Quick Objection Link

 

Decision Date Approaches

(posted 09th November 2009)  

 

New Auction of Promises

(posted 05th November 2009)  

Public Meeting - Tockwith School Wednesday 4th November 2009

(posted 13th October 2009)  

Harrogate Council Object to the Latest BCB Proposal

(posted 13th October 2009)  

 

TRA Objection to BCB Proposal Submitted to NYCC

(posted 06th October 2009)  

 

Airfield Noise Issues

(posted 26th July 2009)  

 

Auction of Promises

(posted 18th July 2009)  

(posted 7th July 2009)  

Important Date - Harrogate Council Meeting Tuesday 7th July

(posted 1st July 2009)  

Environment Agency Objects to BCB Plans

(posted 28^th June 2009)  

 

Picnic on the Green 

(posted 16^th June 2009)  

We have had great feedback from people attending the picnic and intend to hold further events in the future. Many thanks to all involved and particulaly to the singers, dancers and DJ Dave for keeping us entertained. The 31m high balloon "chimney stack" was a great success until the wind became too strong and we had to take it down. We got some good photographs and a coup[le show just what an eyesore this stack would be. 

(click here details)

 

Press Coverage of BCB Fire

(posted 16^th June 2009)

We have been swamped with emails about the fire at BCB and we know that many of you are concerned and angry about it, particularly as this is the third incident at BCB in a year. Please be assured that we are working very hard with the authorities to ensure this incident is fully investigated. We would also like to thank Councillor John Savage who is working tirelessly to ensure no stone is left unturned.

(Click here for Photographs and Press Coverage).

 

Incineration is Unnecessary - Enlightened County Council says "No"

(posted 10^th June 2009)  

Community Picnic on the Green - Saturday 13th June

(posted 09^th June 2009)

Tockwith Residents Association would like to invite everyone to a Picnic on the Green (by the Prince Rupert Drive playground) this coming Saturday from 10am onwards. Councillor John Savage will be on hand to open the Picnic and the highlight of the day will be the launch of a large helium balloon. The ballon will be tethered at 31m, the proposed height of BCB's chimney stack, so that everyone can judge what this would look like from the village and surrounding areas. We would love to see your photographs, please send them to general@tockwith.net .

Click here for details.

 

Urgent - Tockwith Parish Council Meeting - Thursday 28th May

(posted 27^th May 2009)

Tockwith Parish Council are to hold an extraordinary meeting in Tockwith Church on Thursday at 7:30pm to discuss the BCB application. It is important that as many people as possible attend as the meeting will discuss the application, and the Council is expected to decide on it's stance towards the application. Please make your friends and neighbours aware of the meeting. (Link to PC Website).

 

May Newsletter - Hazardous Waste Incinerator - Time to Object

(posted 25^th May2009)

The May newsletter is being delivered to Tockwith and surrounding villages this weekend. The letter focuses on BCB's latest planning application to build a hazardous waste incinerator at Tockwith. Consultees will be responding to the application by early June after which North Yorkshire County Council will decide whether to support or object to the application. Your objections are a critical part of this decision making process and it is vital that they are now submitted as soon as possible. Click here for details (note this may take several seconds to download).

Add your content here