CAMPAIGNERS opposed to the construction of an incinerator at New Barnfield are staging a public meeting later this month.

Members of Hatfield Against Incineration (HAI) will gather in Hatfield to spell out the latest developments in their long-running battle against the county council’s plans.

They will also be urging residents to send their own objections to the council as it consults on how best to dispose of Hertfordshire’s waste over the years ahead.

HAI spokesman Paul Zukowskyj said: “Incineration is an expensive, out-dated and polluting technology and the taxpayers of the county would be paying for a 25-year contract for an incinerator which we do not need.

“The modern way of dealing with waste is to reduce waste at source, increase recycling and deal with what remains by environmentally-friendly methods such as anaerobic digestion.”

He added: “The site at New Barnfield is totally unsuitable for waste treatment, as it is close to housing, workplaces, a wildlife site and a school for children with special needs.

“The traffic impact alone would be very damaging to health and in addition there is potential danger from emissions from an incinerator.

“A huge incinerator on another Hertfordshire site would also create problems – however these are problems which can be avoided with modern methods of waste treatment, using smaller, scattered sites.”

Speakers at the event will include MP Grant Shapps and David Ashton, from campaign group Herts WithOutWaste.

The meeting takes place at the Hilltop Hall, part of The Harrier pub, in Bishops Rise, on Saturday, July 24.

It will run from 2pm until 4pm.