The leader of Plaid Cymru the Party of Wales in the European Parliament, Jill Evans MEP, has criticised the National Assembly's decision to give the go-ahead for the controversial giant kiln at the Castle Cement site at Padeswood near Buckley.

Ms Evans joined members of the Campaign Against a New Kiln (CANK) in opposing the proposed 361 foot kiln, citing concerns that the toxic waste, plastics and tyres to be incinerated at the site would have a detrimental effect on the health of residents living in the area.

The all Wales Euro MP, who is a member of the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment and Public Health, said:

"I am disappointed that the planning application for this massive kiln has been approved. Our focus now turns to ensuring that no hazardous waste is burnt at the site. Whilst the visual impact of a 361 foot high kiln will be bad enough, the real blight will be the potential effects on the health of those living in the Buckley area and well beyond.

"The hazardous waste, called Cemfuel, which is proposed to be used to fire the kiln would produce dioxins and other harmful pollutants for which there is no safe threshold for emissions. The House of Lords Select Committee and other reports have produced evidence to back this statement. The hazardous waste would have to be transported to and from the plant, increasing both traffic volume and a possible health hazard in the event of an accident."

Ms Evans added:

"Burning toxic waste is not acceptable as it clearly compromises public health. The National Assembly has a duty to adopt a precautionary principle, and should put the onus on the company to prove that their proposals won't put the health of local residents at risk.

"I share the anxiety in the local community and beyond about the detrimental effect of this development. I believe that the protection of health must always be given priority over any other concerns."

Diwedd/Ends.