Protesters gathered to voice concerns over a controversial waste station upgrade in Bacup
Bacup: Last Friday, about 70 folks showed up outside the Rossendale Council offices. They were there to protest a plan to upgrade a waste transfer station that many in the community find controversial.
Residents from Bacup and Stacksteads held up banners to express their discontent. Mark Dexter, a local resident, started a petition that’s already gathered over 1,200 signatures, aiming for 1,500.
Mark shared his worries about the council’s ability to manage the site properly, especially with increased waste. He mentioned concerns about pollution, noise, and the impact on local wildlife. It’s a shame that many people in Bacup don’t even know about these plans.
He emphasized that raising awareness was the main goal of the protest. Bacup is known for its beautiful green hills, and residents want to keep it a great place for families and nature.
Mark coordinated with the police and the council to ensure the protest was peaceful. He thanked the council for allowing them to express their democratic rights safely.
Protesters gathered outside the council’s offices at Futures Park, hoping to spark a conversation with the council about finding a sustainable solution.
The proposed changes include tearing down some buildings to make way for a larger unit with waste storage bays. The council claims this will help reduce noise and improve the view for nearby homes.
However, residents are worried that the expansion will only make existing problems worse, like noise, bad smells, and pests invading their homes.
One protester, Guy Walton, held a sign asking, “Whose backyard?” while another, Pete Irwell, expressed frustration that no councillors showed up to support the community.
In response, Rossendale Council stated that the new facility would manage waste responsibly and efficiently. They highlighted features like advanced fire suppression and odour control systems to protect the environment.
They also mentioned that all waste operations would be moved indoors, which should help with issues like litter and noise that residents currently face.
The council believes this modern facility will exceed previous standards and minimize its impact on the community. For more details, residents can check the council’s website for FAQs about the waste transfer station.
