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On 1st May, the UK Supreme Court declared that the Government is failing in its legal duty to protect people from the harmful affects of air pollution. This paves the way for the European Commission to take legal action against the UK.
This could be the opportunity needed to protect Salford’s air from being polluted by the proposed Barton Renewable Energy Plant. Trafford’s Breathe Clean Air Group, has been campaigning for nearly three years to stop this incinerator. If built, the prevailing wind would blow its polluting emissions into Barton, Eccles, Weaste and Salford Quays.
 Following the Supreme Court judgement, the group has again written to Mr Eric Pickles, Minister of State for Communities and Local Government, asking him to REFUSE planning permission for the controversial biomass waste incinerator.
“Of crucial importance is the irritant and toxic gas, nitrogen dioxide,” said Pete Kilvert, BCAG Chairman.
“This is a product of combustion and is emitted from motor vehicles as well as the proposed incinerator. As the incinerator is to be located next to the M60 motorway, where the nitrogen dioxide levels are already well above the safety limit, it is vital for the health of local residents that the incinerator is not built.”
Air pollution causes 29,000 early deaths per year in the UK – more than obesity and alcohol combined. It causes heart attacks, strokes, cancer and respiratory disease. Children living near busy roads have been shown to grow up with under-developed lungs. Any additional nitrogen dioxide from a nearby incinerator would add to this problem.
“This historic ruling by the Supreme Court marks a turning point in the campaign for clean air and puts pressure on the Government to take steps to clean the air we breathe” added Mr Kilvert. “We will take full advantage of this to protect the people of Salford, Trafford and Manchester.”
Source: Manchester Climate Monthly
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