A CAMPAIGN group has urged Cheshire West and Chester council to think again about plans to build a new incinerator plant in the region.

The call for action comes in the wake of news about a fellow environmental campaigner from Northwich winning her argument to take the UK government to the High Court over its plans to exclude waste incinerators from the post-Brexit emissions trading scheme.

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In the letter, a copy of which has been seen by the The Guardian, Cheshire Anti-Incinerator Network (CHAIN) have written to all members of CWAC to urge them to reconsider its proposals to build an incinerator plant in Ellesmere Port.

Liam Byrne, writing on behalf of CHAIN, began by telling councillors about the success of the campaign being led by the former Weaverham High pupil, Georgia Elliot-Smith.

He said: "It marks a significant victory by an ordinary citizen, Georgia Elliot-Smith, born and educated in Northwich, who is determined to do what she can to expose the wilful damage to our climate that is being wrought by the UK waste incineration industry.

"It was therefore ironic that just a couple of days after Georgia’s achievement, an announcement was made that yet another waste burning incinerator, of 400,000 tonnes annual capacity, is to be inflicted on the residents of Cheshire West and Chester.

"As councillors, you will be aware that the incinerator will be located on the Protos site near Ellesmere Port.

"To compound the insult to our community, the plant will be operated by Covanta, the American corporation which attempted and failed to obtain planning permission for an identical sized plant on the outskirts of Middlewich in 2012."

Mr Byrne went on to accuse CWAC of giving the American firm 'a free ride', saying how strong campaigning by his group, local politicians and businesses had combined to protect the environment and the people of Middlewich.

He went on: "Covanta Corporation has clearly done its homework and noted that CWAC Council gave planning approval, on the nod, for the construction of a 200,000 tonnes capacity waste incinerator to OWM two years ago which will be located next door to the TATA monster now under construction in Northwich.

"The frightening reality is that the total volume of waste for incineration currently operational or for which permission has been granted in the borough is now close to 1,500,000 tonnes per annum which means that at least the same amount of CO2 will be released into the atmosphere.

"The figures become even more frightening when allowance is made for the 900 large diesel engine HGVs lugging waste for incineration and ash around the area every day.

"Incidentally, Cheshire West and Chester generates 70,000 tonnes of residual household waste every year equal to 4.7 per cent of the projected incineration capacity.

"What a legacy to leave to future generations, what a threat to our planet and what an insult to people like Georgia."

Cheshire West and Chester have been contacted for a comment in relation to this matter.