Residents celebrate asbestos victory (From Thurrock Gazette)

Residents celebrate asbestos victory

11:14am Monday 9th July 2007

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CONTROVERSIAL plans to build an asbestos waste storage facility in South Ockendon have been rejected.

Residents, including community forum member Chris Savill, were up in arms over the proposals.

Many feared the facility would drive people out of the area as well as have a dangerous effect on the health of future generations.

However, the plans have been refused by Thurrock Council.

The council expressed concern that the facility would not be suitable for the site and that the roads are not suitable for vehicle movements associated with deliveries and collections.

The facility, which was earmarked for Unit 5 in Ardmore Road, would have dealt with the receipt, transfer and dispatch of asbestos waste including temporary storage in waste containers.

Mr Savill, 55, of Mayflower Close, said: "I'm over the moon at this decision as I know how dangerous asbestos can be.

"I'd like to thank the people of South Ockendon for writing in to the council and supporting the opposition to it.

"I think there are a lot of families in the area that will also be over the moon about this."

Ward councillor for Ockendon, Barrie Lawrence, said: "I was against this proposal and lobbied people to write in to the planning officers to ensure it was rejected.

"The facility would never have been suitable in the middle of a residential area near schools.

"There would have been a serious risk of an accident."

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