Job loss claim on recycling plant

A £20m plant to turn domestic waste into compost and fuel is planned for Duffryn Business Park, Ystrad Mynach.

Objectors claim it will cause environmental problems and other firms on the business park will move away.

Caerphilly Council has approved the proposal but says it is considering an offer to use a quarry in Gelligaer.

"We have called this extraordinary meeting because we feel we've been kept in the dark on a number of issues"
Allan Pritchard, Plaid Cymru councillor

One firm, Bergstrom Europe, which makes heating and air conditioning systems for motor vehicles, and employs 160 people, says it is worried about the effects of pollution and traffic and is looking at other sites.

The waste plant, which would be run by waste specialists Biffa, is planned for the old St Ives print works site on the business park.

It would recycle domestic waste and turn it into compost and fuel. The council has said it would not cause problems for neighbouring firms because it would be entirely contained within the industrial unit.

But Plaid Cymru members of the Labour-run council claimed 460 jobs could be lost if the scheme goes ahead because of local businesses moving premises and have forced an extraordinary meeting about the issue on Tuesday.

Allan Pritchard, Plaid's deputy leader on the council said: "I know there are three factories on that site who have informed the authority that they will move if it goes ahead - that is a possible loss of 460 jobs.

"We have called this extraordinary meeting because we feel we've been kept in the dark on a number of issues.

"We want to get to the bottom of it," he added.

However, the council has said it will use the meeting to discuss various issues over the proposals.

The council said it would consider a range of issues, "including the latest position on progress with Biffa negotiations and alterations to the Ty Dyffryn building.

A council spokesman said: "Councillors will also be debating concerns raised by local people, and the recent offer to use the Bryn Quarry site in Gelligaer.

"The meeting will allow these important issues to be discussed in an open forum where press and public are welcome," he added.

Caerphilly AM Jeff Cuthbert accused Plaid of being irresponsible for "talking up" the threat of job losses. He said " Plaid should be urging local employers to put their concerns to the Environment Agency..if they find that there is a significant risk then they will not grant the permit." The meeting is at Llancaiach Fawr Manor House, Nelson, at 1700 BST on Tuesday.

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