Protest held over asbestos plans

Dozens of protesters picketed council offices

Residents in Newtownards have held a protest against a proposal to build an asbestos storage site in the shadow of the town's Scrabo tower.

The protestors gathered outside Ards Borough Council offices, as the company seeking planning permission for the site set out its case to the council.

Residents' spokesman Dave Pennick said they had serious concerns about the safety of AES Marconi's proposals.

Mr Pennick called for the plans to be scrapped.

"This idea of an asbestos transfer station is not required, it's adding to the dangers for us all," he said.

"It's not just about Newtownards suffering this, we need to be careful - it could be in your back garden or behind you."

Mr Pennick said the Environment Heritage Service needed to have a planned strategy for the permanent disposal of asbestos.

At the start of this month residents opposed to plans for a temporary asbestos storage site in Crumlin, County Antrim, lodged papers for a judicial review of the decision to approve the plant.