Company says Holbury villagers have nothing fear from waste transfer site proposal

Solent Environmental Services (SES) has come under fire after gaining permission to operate a waste transfer station at its headquarters in Long Lane, Holbury.

The scheme has angered people living in nearby Ivor Close, whose bungalows back on to the site.

Campaigners claim that asbestos could escape into the air, with fatal consequences for anyone who inhales the potentially cancerous fibres.

Despite approval being granted, residents are now intent on seeking a judicial review in a bid to overturn the decision.

But SES claims villagers have nothing to fear, despite the company’s close proximity to shops, houses and Hardley School.

Contracts manager Ian Chiddicks said the industry was one of the most highly regulated, with staff having to undergo rigorous training.

Mr Chiddicks said asbestos removed from offices, schools and other buildings would arrive at the yard in double bags made of industrial strength polythene.

He said the bags would be stored in steel containers before being transferred to licensed disposal sites. The containers would be kept padlocked – as would the compound they occupied.

Mr Chiddicks added: “We want to reassure people just how safe this operation is.

“Asbestos can be dangerous stuff if handled incorrectly, which is why professional companies such as ours are brought in to remove it.”

But despite the assurances campaigners repeated their claim that sharp pieces of asbestos could pierce the bags, releasing deadly dust.

Parish councillor Allan Glass said residents were seeking a judicial review of the decision to allow the waste transfer station and added: “We will carry on fighting this as long as we can.”

Critics claim the facility should be on an industrial site well away from houses.

Mr Chiddicks said: “The reason we’re doing it here is that we own the building. We had an Environment Agency inspection last week and passed with flying colours.”

Asked if he would be happy to live next door to the site himself he said: “Knowing the facts, yes.”

The scheme was given the go-ahead after Hampshire County Council approved a change of use application in a move criticised by district councillors. Fawley Parish Council has also condemned the decision, saying public opinion was ignored.

But Mr Chiddicks said no one attended two open evenings organised to explain the proposals and allay any fears.

“We wanted to give people the facts, but if they don’t turn up we can’t tell them what we’re doing,” he said.