RESIDENTS are being urged to show a united front when proposals for a multi-million pound incinerator in Shrewsbury go before a public inquiry.

MP Daniel Kawczynski is calling for people to display their strength of feeling against the scheme earmarked for Battlefield Enterprise Park.

Controversial plans for the £60 million incinerator were thrown out by the strategic planning committee at Shropshire Council last September after opposition from the Tory MP and thousands of residents.

But waste firm Veolia appealed against the refusal in late January, with the public inquiry due to start on September 27 at Shirehall.

Mr Kawczynski told [ITALS] Shrewsbury Living: “I was very pleased when the first application was unanimously thrown out by the strategic planning committee.

“It was especially good to see so many objectors attend the meeting in person last year, and as members of the public can attend this enquiry in September, I would urge as many as possible to make the hearing, as this would show the strength and depth of opposition to this incinerator.

“I was most disappointed when Veolia lodged their appeal. However it is now crucial that the people of Shrewsbury send a statement of intent that we do not want this outdated technology in our community.”

Among the objectors will be grieving father Michael Ryan, 62, from Gaines Park, Shrewsbury, who is convinced the death of his baby daughter and teenage son were caused by pollution from nearby incinerators.

Retired civil engineer Mr Ryan and wife Marilyn, also 62, lost their 14-week-old daughter Veronica in mysterious circumstances in 1986.

Toxicology results revealed she had carbon monoxide in her blood but not at dangerous levels.

His son David died from pneumonia aged 19 in 1999 after a battle with leukaemia.

Following their deaths, Mr Ryan, who has surviving sons Stephen, 34, and Philip, 23, has carried out years of intensive research about the potential danger of incinerators.

Members of the public can attend the planning inquiry, and Mr Kawczynski has now urged as many people as possible to do so.

A spokesman for Veolia said:  “An energy from waste facility is just one part of the waste strategy for Shropshire which includes collection, recycling, waste minimisation and the diversion of waste from landfill.

“The appeal for the planning application for a facility in Shropshire will be heard in September and will be determined on its merits by the planning inspector.”