CONSERVATIVE CABINET REFUSES TO CANCEL CONTRACT FOR INCINERATOR

2.00.00pm GMT Wed 10th Feb 2010

Conservative-led Cornwall Council fails to break contract for incinerator

Steve Gilbert, the prospective MP for St Austell & Newquay, has condemned Conservative councillors for failing to "grasp the nettle" and cancel the contract for the incinerator planned for St Dennis.

The Lib Dem candidate made the comments after taking time out from his Parliamentary campaign and attending today's cabinet meeting in Truro.

Steve Gilbert said: "In June, local Conservative candidates stood on a platform of being opposed to the incinerator but just a few months later the new Conservative administration has failed to back their words with actions. At today's meeting not a single Conservative Councillor spoke in favour of ending the contract with Sita."

At the meeting the Tory-led cabinet voted to ask Sita for a "revised" project plan but failed to vote to break the contract.

Steve Gilbert, who asked the cabinet during the public question time whether a revised plan would be in-line with European procurement rules, said:

"European law means that the plans can't be changed substantially, what they are now asking for is a slightly smaller incinerator in the same place. It's a total waste of time."