Tuesday 17 May 2011

Statement from Barnet Councillor Kate Salinger, Coppetts Ward

Kate Salinger (and her fellow councillor husband)
obtaining heavyweight support last summer,
during Barnet's "Allowancegate" scandal
"I have received so many messages from residents about the North London Waste Plan, that I am issuing this statement." (An earlier comment from the Councillor is here.)



"I wish to make it very clear that I am not in favour of the part of the plan that identifies the site at Pinkham Way as a waste disposal facility.

"From the moment I heard this mooted (Autumn 2009) I felt that the implications for the traffic in the area, apart from many other considerations, were horrendous.

"I did my best to inform residents at all times when and where the various consultations and meetings relating to the plan were taking place. However, I am aware that there are many people all over the country who see a political leaflet and instantly throw it away. I am sure that the residents of Coppetts Ward are no different.

"Barnet is one of seven boroughs which are part of the North London Waste Authority. It is the duty of the authority to plan for the disposal of all the waste produced by the seven boroughs. Much has been made of the fact that Barnet was the last of the boroughs to sign up to the plan, with the implication that if Barnet had NOT signed, then the whole plan would have been scuppered.

"Haringey, Enfield, Camden, Islington, Hackney and Waltham Forest (every one a Labour borough) had all previously signed. They were aware, as Barnet is, that ALL local authorities have, by order of the European Parliament, to be signed up to a waste plan or risk severe financial penalties. Barnet signed.

"So what happens next? Well, the North London Waste Authority will submit a planning application to Haringey Council, probably in May, which will be heard in August or September.

"The Pinkham Way Alliance, a group of local people and representatives from various neighbourhood residents associations and similar bodies, is taking the lead at the moment in showing opposition to the plan and will doubtless carry on doing that. I am sure they will be advising on what Mr and Mrs Joe Public can do. I will certainly be working with councillors in Enfield, and hopefully Haringey, to see what we can do to prevent this catastrophe happening. Your MP, Theresa Villiers is also actively campaigning against the proposals. She is one of the Junior Transport ministers, and that may be very helpful."

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