Asbestos storage plan for Andoversford
ASBESTOS and other hazardous waste materials could be stored in Andoversford.
Maylarch Recycling Ltd has applied to Gloucestershire Council to use unit K2 at the Andoversford Industrial Estate as a "waste transfer site".
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NOT HERE: Council chairman Alan Lawrence has concerns
The asbestos removal firm wants to use the site to store hazardous waste before it is transported en-masse to Wingmoor Farm, near Bishop's Cleeve.
Maylarch said the waste cannot be taken directly to Wingmoor because there is a minimum charge for all lorries which visit the site, no matter how much waste is dropped off.
The plan has sparked concern in Andoversford, where a massive chemical fire broke out in September 2006 (inset).
More than 60 villagers attended a public meeting on Wednesday to quiz Maylarch managing director Nick Williamson about the plans.
After the meeting, Alan Lawrence, chairman of Andoversford parish council, said: "There is a lot of concern in the village, particularly after the fire three years ago.
"People hear the phrase "haz- ardous waste" and they have questions they need answered.
"It was good of Maylarch to come along and try to explain what it is proposing."
Mr Williamson said: "It came across strongly at the meeting that the fire was still very much to the forefront of people's minds.
"We would handle old electronic equipment, fridges and some hazardous waste such as fluorescent lighting tubes and asbestos.
"The asbestos would be collected from sites in the county and properly wrapped, following all the relevant safety legislation."
Mr Williamson said he wanted to begin an open and frank dialogue with people living near the site.
He said: "We want to be open and to allay any concerns that people have. If the permission is granted, this will be a safe site and we are happy to give people all the information they might need."
A consultation period on the application runs until October 16. Plans can be viewed at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk – application 09/0049/CWMAJW.
4 Comments
by Len, Cheltenham
Thursday, October 01 2009, 2:07PM
“I work on the estate in Andoversford, at the moment it is quite a pleasant place to work. It won't be much longer if this plan gets the go ahead. If I wanted to work on a tip I would get a job at one. Maylarch you are not welcome or wanted here. The site is just not suitable for you, please go elsewhere and well away from any residential areas.”
by Resident of Andoversford, Andoversford Village
Monday, September 28 2009, 3:56PM
“60 villagers met in the Village Hall last week to raise their concerns regarding this proposal. There have been many disasters in this village one being a dreadful fire on the Industrial Estate and of course the severe flooding of the village in 2007 leaving many homeless for months. Is this a done deal we ask. Who will pick up the pieces when disaster strikes this time? What are Cotswold District Council doing to protect the lives of the villagers who are angry and opposed to this planning application? The message is go elsewhere we do not want asbestos in the village or the extra traffic it will bring. This unit is right next door to a food preparation unit so how can this proposal even be considered? Targets for recycling may have been set by the powers that be but use your common sense. Let's hope that those proposing this application will see sense and realise that it is not safe or wanted.”
by Typical, Cotswolds
Monday, September 28 2009, 10:50AM
“Small minded village folk!”
by DO NOT STORE ASBESTOS IN ANDOVERSFORD, Cheltenham
Monday, September 28 2009, 8:07AM
“I hope this is not going to happen. Its hazardous for the people that live near there, let alone for the people that work on the estate like my partner. Who cares that the '' minimum charge for all lorries which visit the site, no matter how much waste is dropped off'' it will cost them alot more when people are claiming ill health in 20 years time after breathing it in for years. To .....Maylarch Recycling Ltd .....go and store it in your own back gardens!”