Protesters demand end to incinerator plans in Canford

Demonstrators gathered outside Bournemouth Civic Centre in protest against a proposed waste incinerator in Canford Magna. 

Environmental groups, including BCP’s Extinction Rebellion, protested yesterday (Thursday 7 November) with organisations and residents of Canford to express their anger.  

The Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr George Farquhar, also joined protesters to express his opposition to the proposed incinerator.  

More than 230 people have already expressed their concern to the local council, objecting the plans. 

Members of the public are concerned due to schools and housing estates being close by and the impact it could have on human health.

Holly Alexander, whose grandparents live in Canford, said she is “worried for their health as well as the wildlife” 

Richard Larcombe was one of the campaigners at the demonstration, a part of the Stop Parley and Canford Incinerators group. 

The group includes campaigners who come together to stop proposed incinerators in the area, working alongside United Kingdom Without Incineration Network (UKWIN). 

The incinerator would see up to 260,000 tonnes of waste burned each year, according to MVV Environment Ltd. 

“It’s a public health issue,” Richard Larcombe said. 

“I’ve gone through it all and I’ve seen things getting worse.” 

He believes the government need to embrace a circular economy – which involves reusing, reducing and recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible. 

In the Environment Act 2021, the government has set an environmental target to halve residual waste by 2042.  

They have said this will help achieve their aim for zero avoidable waste by 2050, supporting their Net Zero Strategy for the near elimination of biodegradable waste to landfill by 2028. 

Greg Lambe, another member of the Stop Parley and Canford Incinerators group, said: “We’ve got to have a big reset. This is just going in the wrong direction”. 

MVV Environment Ltd is the company looking to bring an incinerator to Canford Resource Park. 

Jane Ford, who works for the company, said they are not hiding from the carbon footprint incinerators produce.  

For concerned locals the company “would invite them to come and see other facilities,” Ford said. 

BCP Council officers have recommended that the incinerator be granted planning permission. 

Another demonstration is scheduled to take place next month.