Monday, 28 February 2011
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Time to call a halt on Davyhulme incinerator
“The time has come for Peel Energy to cut its losses and scrap plans for a controversial biomass burning power plant in Davyhulme, Manchester” says Peter Kilvert, Chairman of the Breathe Clean Air Group in an email to Jonathan England of Peel Energy.
The Breathe Clean Air Group, a small group of residents in Davyhulme and Urmston, have taken the unusual step of undertaking an ambient air quality assessment in their neighbourhood, at their own expense.
Their report, which was submitted to Trafford Council’s Planning Department, as part of the huge number of objections to the Barton Renewable Energy Plant, shows significantly high levels of pollution already in Davyhulme. Oxides of nitrogen were found to be nearly twice the limit; all the heavy metals tested for were detected, with arsenic close to the limit; Particulate Matter showed huge percentages; and 1,3 butadiene, which is commonly linked to motor car exhausts, was 38 times the maximum allowed.
“These figures are alarming” said Peter Kilvert, “and I’m concerned that there does not appear to be any air monitoring carried out in Trafford. There’s also been plenty of talk about nitrogen oxides and fine particulates in the press recently, which justifies our worries about air pollution that would be caused by the proposed, Davyhulme incinerator.”
A report in the Scottish newspaper the Courier, says Tayside NHS has raised serious concerns about a proposed biomass plant for Dundee Docks. It says “there is a potential for negative effects on human health” and adds “NHS Tayside notes with concern that the siting of this facility is within an area where there are existing air quality issues that has been declared and Air Quality Management area for nitrogen dioxide, and will soon be for particulates”.
Particulates were highlighted in the ENDS report (Environmental Intelligence for Professionals) of 11th January 2011. Its headline ran “Fine particulates may have hastened a third of deaths”. It says that chronic exposure to particulate air pollution in the UK led to a loss of 340,000 years of life in 2008. The Particulate Matter may have hastened the deaths of up to 200,000 people, although most of them would have had an underlying medical condition such as heart disease.
The Scotsman (2nd Feb 2011) refers to a proposed biomass energy plant in Leith. Councillor Jenny Dawe said that the Council had received “strong advice” about the effect burning biomass could have on air quality. She said, “clearly, the impact of this plant in terms of fumes it produces is going to have to be looked at very closely. We decided against biomass boilers in schools after significant health and safety concerns were raised. We had very strong advice and there may be a danger from having biomass boilers in air quality hot-spots, where there are a large numbers of people living or a lot of traffic”.
Apart from health considerations, there is also uncertainty about the sustainability of biomass burning ventures. The “Press and Journal” refers to Peel Energy’s proposed plant in Lochaber, with its headline “Doubts cast on Scotland’s ability to fuel biomass”. The Forestry Commission has said that it might not be able to meet the demand of the new Lochaber biomass plant. Rebecca Carr, the Commission’s renewables and sustainable development adviser said “the gap between what is available and what is getting used is getting smaller. We have no capacity to enter into any new long-term contracts”.
“Landscape impact” has hit the headlines also. A proposed 50MW biomass, power station at Kings Dock, Coed Bach, Kidwelly, Wales has lost its appeal on the grounds of landscape impact, visual impact and Planning policy conflict.
“So it’s obvious” added Mr Kilvert, chairman of the Breathe Clean Air Group, “that the future of biomass burning plants is in doubt. “We are sure that the proposed plant at Davyhulme is the wrong type of plant in the wrong location. It’s too close to houses, shops, sports facilities, schools and the M60 motorway. We believe that Peel Energy should call a halt on this development now”.
Source: Breathe Clean Air Group
Sunday, 13 February 2011
Lunch club continues to support the local community
It was just over three years ago that a group of volunteers from St Michael’s Church in Flixton formed a ‘Luncheon Club’. The club which meets every Tuesday opens its doors for up to fifteen elderly and, or
isolated members of the community who live in the parish area.
The club works on a non profit basis and its service is still based on volunteered assistance. Guests pay a minimal charge towards the cost of lunch which is provided, as well as transportation to and from the venue.
On arrival, the guests enjoy a welcome drink, followed by a wholesome two course meal followed
by copious amounts of tea or coffee, and of course, guests make new friends and have stimulating
conversation.
Legislation dictates that each volunteer of the organisation have to hold a current ‘Food Hygiene’ certificate which requires renewal every 3 years. An application on behalf of the club was made to The West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity for £1,122 by one of its volunteers, David Hamilton-Hall, this being the amount required to enable all new training and refresher update course requirements to be carried out to meet the legislation and to enable volunteers at the club to be qualified for the next 3 year period and continue to offer this excellent service to the community.
The Reverend Dr Victoria Johnson of St Michael’s Church was delighted to receive a cheque from WLFC for the amount required which was presented by Jon Clipsham (Assistant Provincial Grand Master).
Pictured from left to right, are: Jon Clipsham, Rev Dr Victoria Johnson and David Hamilton-Hall.
isolated members of the community who live in the parish area.
The club works on a non profit basis and its service is still based on volunteered assistance. Guests pay a minimal charge towards the cost of lunch which is provided, as well as transportation to and from the venue.
On arrival, the guests enjoy a welcome drink, followed by a wholesome two course meal followed
by copious amounts of tea or coffee, and of course, guests make new friends and have stimulating
conversation.
Legislation dictates that each volunteer of the organisation have to hold a current ‘Food Hygiene’ certificate which requires renewal every 3 years. An application on behalf of the club was made to The West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity for £1,122 by one of its volunteers, David Hamilton-Hall, this being the amount required to enable all new training and refresher update course requirements to be carried out to meet the legislation and to enable volunteers at the club to be qualified for the next 3 year period and continue to offer this excellent service to the community.
The Reverend Dr Victoria Johnson of St Michael’s Church was delighted to receive a cheque from WLFC for the amount required which was presented by Jon Clipsham (Assistant Provincial Grand Master).
Pictured from left to right, are: Jon Clipsham, Rev Dr Victoria Johnson and David Hamilton-Hall.
Thursday, 10 February 2011
Teenager sexually assaulted in Urmston
A TEENAGER has been physically and sexually assaulted in Urmston.
The 18 year-old was attacked at 8.30am on Friday February 4 as she was walking alone along an alleyway between Church Road and Flixton Road.
She was approached from behind by a man, who pushed her against a fence before subjecting her to a vicious physical and sexual assault.
It is believed that the victim’s screams forced the man to run off towards Church Road.
He is described as white, in his late 40s, about 5ft 7ins tall and of medium build. He was wearing a dark coloured hat and coat.
Detective Inspector Jane Curran said: "This was an unprovoked attack on a local young woman that has understandably left the victim and her family deeply upset. “Neighbourhood and specialist officers have been working closely with the victim, local schools, residents and councillors as part of a thorough investigation to identify the person responsible for this attack.
"I would appeal to anyone with information to contact us as a matter of urgency. Your call will be treated with the strictest of confidence.
"I would urge people to be aware of their surroundings, avoid short cuts and not walk alone where possible.
"I would appeal to anyone with information to contact us as a matter of urgency. Your call will be treated with the strictest of confidence."
Anyone with information is asked to call 0161 856 7573, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Source: Messenger Newspapers
The 18 year-old was attacked at 8.30am on Friday February 4 as she was walking alone along an alleyway between Church Road and Flixton Road.
She was approached from behind by a man, who pushed her against a fence before subjecting her to a vicious physical and sexual assault.
It is believed that the victim’s screams forced the man to run off towards Church Road.
He is described as white, in his late 40s, about 5ft 7ins tall and of medium build. He was wearing a dark coloured hat and coat.
Detective Inspector Jane Curran said: "This was an unprovoked attack on a local young woman that has understandably left the victim and her family deeply upset. “Neighbourhood and specialist officers have been working closely with the victim, local schools, residents and councillors as part of a thorough investigation to identify the person responsible for this attack.
"I would appeal to anyone with information to contact us as a matter of urgency. Your call will be treated with the strictest of confidence.
"I would urge people to be aware of their surroundings, avoid short cuts and not walk alone where possible.
"I would appeal to anyone with information to contact us as a matter of urgency. Your call will be treated with the strictest of confidence."
Anyone with information is asked to call 0161 856 7573, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Source: Messenger Newspapers
Urmston's Dorothy gets rave reviews after first show
URMSTON’S Dorothy received a standing ovation after performing The Wizard of Oz to the public for the first time at the London Palladium on Monday.
Danielle Hope, 18, a former Highfield Primary pupil, won the coveted role of Dorothy in the BBC1 show Over the Rainbow in May.
Since then, she has been busy rehearsing for the role in Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s latest production and on February 7 performed the first preview to a packed audience at the London Palladium.
Helen Mayne, Danielle’s former teacher at Knutsford High School, was at the first show and said it had been ‘spectacular’.
“There was a standing ovation at the end of the performance and when Danielle came on stage pretty much the whole auditorium was on its feet.
“She also got a very loud cheer and round of applause when she first came on stage.
“I’m so incredibly proud of everything that she has achieved, it is testament to the person that she is - a very special performer.
“Danielle is really enjoying herself and looking forward to welcoming a new audience every night and taking them to Oz,” she said.
One person who can’t wait to see the show is Danielle’s proud Nana, Ann Radley, who has preview tickets for a show on February 17 along with her husband Peter, Danielle’s younger brother David and her great Aunt and Uncle.
“I’m very excited, I just can’t wait to see Danielle up there on the stage and see how this play has evolved.
“She has been working 15 hour days doing rehearsals and absolutely loving it,” Ann said, adding that Danielle came back to Urmston when she could to ‘keep her feet on the ground’.
Ann also has tickets to see Danielle perform in March, when she alongside family and friends will pack three coaches to travel down to London.
source: messenger
Danielle Hope, 18, a former Highfield Primary pupil, won the coveted role of Dorothy in the BBC1 show Over the Rainbow in May.
Since then, she has been busy rehearsing for the role in Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s latest production and on February 7 performed the first preview to a packed audience at the London Palladium.
Helen Mayne, Danielle’s former teacher at Knutsford High School, was at the first show and said it had been ‘spectacular’.
“There was a standing ovation at the end of the performance and when Danielle came on stage pretty much the whole auditorium was on its feet.
“She also got a very loud cheer and round of applause when she first came on stage.
“I’m so incredibly proud of everything that she has achieved, it is testament to the person that she is - a very special performer.
“Danielle is really enjoying herself and looking forward to welcoming a new audience every night and taking them to Oz,” she said.
One person who can’t wait to see the show is Danielle’s proud Nana, Ann Radley, who has preview tickets for a show on February 17 along with her husband Peter, Danielle’s younger brother David and her great Aunt and Uncle.
“I’m very excited, I just can’t wait to see Danielle up there on the stage and see how this play has evolved.
“She has been working 15 hour days doing rehearsals and absolutely loving it,” Ann said, adding that Danielle came back to Urmston when she could to ‘keep her feet on the ground’.
Ann also has tickets to see Danielle perform in March, when she alongside family and friends will pack three coaches to travel down to London.
source: messenger
Monday, 7 February 2011
MILE ROAD FLOODS
A ROAD notorious for flooding had to be closed on Sunday after a deluge of rain saw it swamped with two foot of water.
A number of vehicles that had attempted to cross the B5158 Flixton Road - known locally as the Mile Road - became stuck, with one man requiring help from the fire brigade.
Life jacket clad firecrews waded through two foot of water to rescue stranded motorist at around 8.30am yesterday on the road linking Flixton with Carrington.
Fire crews from Stretford, Sale and the water rescue unit from Eccles were called and carried the man to safety.
Sunday, 6 February 2011
PEEL Energy has urged its staff to write to councillors and council planning officers in support of their controversial application for a biomass incinerator in Davyhulme.
A round-robin memo was sent out by the company to staff last Tuesday by the company’s chairman, John Whittaker, asking Peel’s workforce for ‘assistance’ in gaining support for the project.
The e-mail goes on to explain how staff can tailor a ‘bespoke letter, quickly and easily’, using a specially developed website letter writing tool.
While the Breathe Clean Air protest group has accused Peel, which employs 5,000 people, of resorting to ‘desperate’ tactics to drum up support for their application, management have defended the move.
“It’s perfectly normal for any company to ask their employees to offer support for proposed new schemes,” said Peel Energy project director Jon England. “As valued stakeholders, we think it is important that employees should have the opportunity to back Peel’s plans.”
Last week Messenger revealed how 1,461 people had written to the council in opposition to Peel’s plans, with a further 4,600 signature petition against. By comparison Peel had 64 letters of support as of last week.
A spokesman for BCAG told Messenger: “The local community have made a huge effort to stand together and voice their opinion. Peel should respect this, rather than resorting to desperate measures to boost their figures.
“The fact that they feel this action is necessary highlights the lack of genuine local support for this polluting plant.”
source: messenger
The e-mail goes on to explain how staff can tailor a ‘bespoke letter, quickly and easily’, using a specially developed website letter writing tool.
While the Breathe Clean Air protest group has accused Peel, which employs 5,000 people, of resorting to ‘desperate’ tactics to drum up support for their application, management have defended the move.
“It’s perfectly normal for any company to ask their employees to offer support for proposed new schemes,” said Peel Energy project director Jon England. “As valued stakeholders, we think it is important that employees should have the opportunity to back Peel’s plans.”
Last week Messenger revealed how 1,461 people had written to the council in opposition to Peel’s plans, with a further 4,600 signature petition against. By comparison Peel had 64 letters of support as of last week.
A spokesman for BCAG told Messenger: “The local community have made a huge effort to stand together and voice their opinion. Peel should respect this, rather than resorting to desperate measures to boost their figures.
“The fact that they feel this action is necessary highlights the lack of genuine local support for this polluting plant.”
source: messenger
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)