War of words after Hatfield incinerator meeting

A ROW has erupted between a council official and the chairman of Action Hatfield, after a petition against the controversial New Barnfield incinerator was handed in. Mike Hobday led campaigners to County Hall on Wednesday and presented their views that

A ROW has erupted between a council official and the chairman of Action Hatfield, after a petition against the controversial New Barnfield incinerator was handed in.

Mike Hobday led campaigners to County Hall on Wednesday and presented their views that the land next to a special school should not be used for the �200m waste facility.

But following the meeting a war of words broke out between Mr Hobday, who is also running as Labour's candidate for MP of Welwyn Hatfield, and Richard Brown the assistant director of environment at Herts County Council.

The argument is based around what Mr Hobday said to the meeting in which, according to Mr Brown, he apparently referred to Mr Brown's letter to the WHT, which we published on May 6.

Mr Brown accused Mr Hobday of misquoting him.

Mr Hobday has now made a formal complaint against Mr Brown, in it alleging that Mr Brown has accused him of "telling lies" and saying that Mr Brown's emails to him "fall well short of the standard of courtesy that I expect of a senior public servant".

Attempts to contact Mr Brown direct proved unsuccessful as the WHT went to press.

But a council spokesman confirmed Mr Hobday had made a complaint and the matter was being investigated.