Asbestos storage plan for Andoversford
Maylarch Recycling Ltd has applied to Gloucestershire Council to use unit K2 at the Andoversford Industrial Estate as a "waste transfer site".
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.
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