What are your views on the building of a waste burning incinerator at Saltend near Hedon?
I am emphatically opposed to the proposed waste incinerator at Saltend, for a number of reasons.
Firstly, because incineration introduces risks of airborne pollution of heavy metals and harmful organic materials. There are other technologies that can eliminate these risks or reduce them dramatically – which are already in operation elsewhere.
Secondly, because the size of the proposed incinerator is so large that waste would have to be imported from outside the area in order for it to operate cost-effectively. Not only is that completely against the “proximity principle”, it would also actually discourage recycling – and the East Riding has little to be proud of on that score, as its performance is actually quite poor compared with similar authorities elsewhere in the country.
Thirdly, because the cost of the project would place unnecessarily high demands on Council Tax payers for many years.
If elected, then what will be the major changes you would like to bring about that would improve lives of people living in the towns of Hedon, Preston and Paull? What difference would you hope to make as an MP?
I want to see flood protection and river management as a national priority. If elected, I would press for a shake-up of the Environment Agency to make sure it is fit for purpose and for funding so that our flood defences and drainage channels are properly maintained.
I would also fight to maintain the separate identities of Hedon, Preston and Paull and to conserve our historic heritage.
I want to see less bureaucracy in Education, the Health Service and the Police in order to allow front-line staff more time for their proper jobs rather than filling in forms.
The rural way of life is under serious threat and I am worried about the decline in services and small businesses, which threaten the existence of our communities. Liberal Democrats would take steps to safeguard rural services, including Post Offices and public transport.