A CAMPAIGN against plans to build a waste to energy incinerator in Keighley has made its collective voice heard next to the land intended for this development.

At least 80 protestors from the Aire Valley Against Incineration (AVAI) group assembled close to the site at Marley late last Sunday morning. (May 21)

Demonstrators brandished placards, wore eye-catching yellow t-shirts and in some cases wore gas masks to highlight their opposition to the facility, which has been approved by Bradford Council.

AVAI has now confirmed that its formal request to the district council, asking it to reconsider its decision to allow the waste to energy burner, has been refused.

The campaign group is now considering whether to initiate a Judicial Review into the council's decision.

Last Sunday, protestors gathered at two spots along the Aire Valley bypass, with one party demonstrating near the gas holders at the end of Marley Road.

A second group rallied at the main entrance to the development site, a short distance away.

Many passing drivers hooted to indicate their support for the protest.

Simon Shimbles, one of the organisers of the event, said: "We sent a Letter Before Claim to Bradford Council telling them of our intention to take them to Judicial Review over their planning process. But we had a reply from them last week which dismisses our concerns.

"Today is about us sending out a public message to stress that we're not going to just roll over and give up, and we're taking this to the next stage.

"Despite what the developer has said, this is not going to be clean energy and it won't provide hundreds of new jobs. It's a toxic investment for Keighley.

"The developer's words have not given us reassurance or answered our questions. We are still implacably opposed."

Referring to the then Keighley MP Kris Hopkins' support for the waste to energy incinerator plans, Mr Shimbles said the calling of the June 8 General Elections had given the AVAI campaign a chance to press home its message.

"While we're not officially backing any party we do feel that [Labour Candidate for Keighley & Ilkley] John Grogan has the best chance of unseating Kris Hopkins," he added.

"There are obviously other candidates opposed to the incinerator."

Mr Shimbles said fundraising events to raise cash for the AVAI campaign were proving very successful, with an acoustic music afternoon in Keighley last Saturday generating £276.

He said the next event will be a fundraising abseil at Ilkley's Cow and Calf Rocks on Sunday June 4.

Mr Hopkins has previously said that while he supports applicant Endless Energy's plans, it is the job of Bradford Council and the Environmental Agency to ensure this company complies with its operating licence when it is granted.

He emphasised that he would not back any project that damages the wellbeing of his constituents or anyone else.

Endless Energy has responded that its contractors have an impressive track record of delivering energy recovery facilities that stick to tight environmental regulations.

The company says the UK already has some of the strictest air quality legislation, and that its Marley facility will have sophisticated monitoring systems to safeguard the surrounding area.