POTTERS Bar’s MP James Clappison has expressed concern for his constituents after it emerged that a massive waste incinerator could be built in Hertsmere.

The Tory backbencher spoke out after Hertfordshire County Council announced that a waste burner would be built at either New Barnfield in Hatfield, or in Harper Lane, between Radlett and London Colney.

Speaking about the Harper Lane proposal, Mr Clappison said: “I am very concerned because of its proximity to important settlements and the impact it would have on the area.”

The former barrister, who has represented Potters Bar in Westminster since 1992, said he was also anxious about the effect any development would have on traffic in the road.

He said: “That is a very congested route; for example you have B&Q lorries at several minute intervals along the road all the time.”

Mr Clappison also said he would be seeking a meeting with the council in order to discuss its plans.

He added: “I want to make sure that local peoples’ views are heard.”

Two firms, namely Veolia Environmental Services and E.ON Energy from Waste, are currently bidding to secure the council’s waste management contract for the next 25 years.

The authority will name its preferred bidder by June 2011 and the plant is expected to become operational by April 2015.