TIME is running out to oppose the construction of a massive incinerator in Hatfield, with protesters urging people to speak out now.

On Thursday April 28 the County Council will make a decision whether to build an incinerator, and whether to build it in Hatfield or near Radlett.

The issue will be discussed at two meetings, the Waste Management Panel at 10am and then at the Cabinet at 12.30pm.

And, echoing the Welwyn Hatfield Times’ own InferNO! campaign, residents’ group Hatfield Against Incineration (HAI) called on people opposed to an incinerator to be at County Hall Hertford from 9.40am top attend the two meetings.

They also urged people to write to Robert Gordon, council leader, Derrick Ashley, executive member for waste, the cabinet, and members of the Waste Management Panel.

Of the two companies bidding for the contract, Veolia wants to build at New Barnfield in South Hatfield, and E.ON, favours Harper Lane, near Radlett.

Cathy Roe, of HAI, said: “New Barnfield is totally unsuitable to be a waste site.

“The site currently houses a public library.

“Next to it are a school for children with special needs and a nature walk with protected wild-life.

“Close by are housing, a cemetery, workplaces and a recreation ground. Already there is heavy traffic because of the Tesco depot, and an incinerator would add lorries every few minutes.

“This is in addition to air pollution and visual intrusion from an incinerator itself.”

She added: “The whole site is an important part of the Green Belt.

“An incinerator is not needed as there would not be enough Hertfordshire domestic waste to feed it.

“To keep operating it would need to burn commercial and industrial waste brought in from other areas. It would cost �220 million to build and �1.3 billion to run, whereas increased recycling is a cheaper alternative.”