Stewartby Air Quality Scandal: Lib Dems Demand Immediate Action

12.00.00pm GMT Sun 21st Oct 2007

Bedford Borough Lib Dems are demanding that sulphur dioxide emissions from at Stewartby Brickworks are reduced

As news emerges that Stewartby is on the brink of being chosen as the County Council's preferred location for a new waste incinerator, the shameful scandal of poor air quality in the village continues.

Levels of sulphur dioxide emitted from the Hanson Brickworks in Stewartby are far above national standards as Hanson, along with enforcement agencies, has been aware for several years.

Commenting on the issue, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Wootton Cllr Tim Hill thundered:

"This is an ongoing scandal that must stop now. Hanson knows that it is exceeding safe levels for sulphur dioxide emissions at the Stewartby brickworks, and must clean up its act immediately. Under the law Hanson should have been compelled to do this by the Environment Agency by 31st December 2005. Instead, the health and wellbeing of residents of Stewartby and the surrounding areas is put at continuing risk simply because Hanson does not want to spend the money it will cost to bring its emissions within safe levels. There is no other reason for this dangerous and selfish inaction than profit margins."

"It is time for Hanson to recognise that the health of the residents of the local community in which it operates must come before making financial savings through delaying essential improvement works. The Borough Council and the Environment Agency are also fully aware of the ongoing air quality problems at the Stewartby brickworks and must work with Hanson to ensure it meets its responsibility to reduce the levels of sulphur dioxide currently emitted from the site."