COUNCIL MUST "FIGHT TO WIN" INCINERATOR APPEAL

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 1st Sep 2009

Commenting on the news that waste-company SITA is set to appeal the decision to reject the incinerator proposed for St Dennis, Steve Gilbert, the Prospective MP for St Austell & Newquay, has said that Cornwall Council "must now fight to win."

Steve said, "The news of the appeal by SITA confirms many people's fears - the battle against the incinerator isn't over and looks set to run for at least another year, if not longer."

"I find it very difficult to believe that, behind the scenes, Cornwall Council were unable to convince SITA not to lodge this appeal. Far from using their clout with SITA to put them off an appeal, Cornwall Council seems to have been too quick to actually give permission for the appeal to take place."

"I'm equally surprised that SITA have so little respect for the views of people who live in Cornwall that they are willing to challenge a democratic decision."

"Once again Council officers seem to be raising the possibility of enormous financial penalties hitting local tax-payers if the appeal doesn't go ahead. The reality is that SITA's reputation across the country would be dealt a body-blow if they were to claim against the Council."

"Cornwall Council must now show real resolve in backing the decision of the former County Council and employ the best legal team available to fight this appeal."