Protests against the possibility of a major waste management site in Colchester are gathering momentum.

Objectors to the Old Heath plan are planning a second rally, poster campaign, wildlife study on the site, and a water-tight argument when they face the public inquiry in October.

The draft Essex and Southend Waste Local Plan suggests land behind Grange Way is suitable for a waste site to include recycling and has not ruled out having an incinerator.

The Old Heath Environmental Protection Association (OHEPA) is battling against the chance an incinerator will be built and says it will put poisonous gases into the air and mean a stream of lorries bringing in waste to burn.

"The fight is well and truly on," said OHEPA chairman, Graham Sheppard.

The thousands of residents across Essex who officially objected to the plan have now been asked to give more details of their complaints.

Objectors will be asked if they want to make a representation at the inquiry and OHEPA is offering to act as an agent for those in Old Heath who do not want to speak in public.

Representatives from the residents association and parish council in Stanway went to Monday's meeting - Stanway has also been proposed for a waste management site.

"We do not want to be averting an incinerator at the expense of Stanway. We know that an incinerator which burns plastics will mean dioxins (claimed to cause cancer) for the whole of Colchester," he said.

OHEPA is concerned that amendments to the waste plan now call Stanway and Old Heath proposed strategic sites for waste management, rather than major sites, which Mr Sheppard says means they are now part of policy.

Harbour ward borough councillor David Canning said the teeth had been taken out of objections as if Colchester recycled a lot of rubbish it was likely to get a waste management site, but if it did nothing it may go elsewhere.

Mr Sheppard said he was also concerned there had been a U-turn by the Government which was now saying recycling targets were not being met and incinerators were a possibility.

OHEPA plans to hold a rally in Old Heath on October 17 - 250 people took part in its first protest in January.

If you would like more information about the Old Heath Environmental Protection Association phone 01206 794445

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