Thurso welcomes decision to throw out plan for incinerator in Invergordon

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 19th Aug 2009

The decision of the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross area planning Committee to throw out plans to build an incinerator in Invergordon was warmly welcomed by local MP John Thurso today.

The decision was taken almost unanimously after nearly seven hours of often impassioned debate. Opposition to the incinerator focused on the possible health risks posed by the plant, the inappropriateness of the project in relation to tourism and the potential danger increased traffic would cause at the Tomich junction. Although emotions were high the debate was well researched and dignified with contributions from the local community councils and concerned residents as well as the ward Councillors.

John said: "This is great news for Invergordon. The town has had a hard time over the years with its industrial legacy and the local community were rightly deeply concerned over this issue and the possible effect on health locally.

"I had a meeting at the end of July with the organizing committee against the incinerator and I was deeply impressed with the depth of their research and at how they helped to mobilize the community. The 2,000 signature petition they presented on Tuesday speaks for itself.

"One thing that is clear from the proceedings on Tuesday is the real and pressing need to upgrade the junction off the A9 at Tomich. I know my colleague Jamie Stone is writing to the Minister on this issue and I will be supporting this campaign in anyway I can."