Glasgow residents flocked to a protest meeting against plans for an energy-from-waste plant yesterday, the Glasgow Evening Times has reported.

About a hundred people were present at a local primary school, and many said they had not been consulted about the plans.

The meeting was arranged by the Glasgow Alternatives to Incineration group (GAIN), with the aim of building opposition to the £154m South Side development.

Viridor, the company with the 25-year contract at the plant to recycle some rubbish and burn the rest to create energy, say a 12-week programme of public consultation was launched in May and 16,000 consultation newsletters were posted to households in the area.


Jane Clarke, 65, a Govanhill resident, told the Evening Times: "We haven't been told anything. I didn't get a newsletter."

Following the meeting, locals have planned to organize a protest and a petition against the plant.

Their concerns centre on health and the environment, but Viridor and Glasgow City Council say the plant is safe.

Steven Don, Viridor's Scottish regional manager, hit back at claims the company had not consulted with residents.

He said: "In addition to briefings to elected members, community councils and local organisations, Viridor's consultation advertised in three local newspapers and featured five days of community consultation events. A further busy online consultation event was backed by ongoing media coverage, a project website and video, dedicated helpline and a newsletters to circa 16,000 residents. Viridor continues to welcome the opportunity to talk."

(NE)