LETTERSFrom H. Edwards, East Cowes:
OBVIOUSLY I have submitted my objection to the ludicrous proposed asphalt plant on the Medina, as I trust thousands of IW residents have, or will do before today’s (Friday) deadline.
A simple internet check on, say, "Pollutants from Asphalt Production" will reveal a wealth of evidence from around the world, that without doubt, asphalt production should always be placed many miles from human habitation, and the prevailing wind should reliably take the pollution out to sea or into deserts.
I can’t imagine that our wise IW Council would deliberately put its residents in danger from an asphalt plant’s emissions, with its well-documented links to cancer and several other increases in illness.
We are blessed with a beautiful green area around Cowes and the River Medina, plus world famous marinas, a sailing school, popular pubs with outdoor dining, houses, flats, and crowds of happy tourists. Much as we need more jobs, we do NOT need the 24-hour noise, carcinogenic emissions and contaminated soil, from this plant.
And why on earth did the council waive the need for an impact assessment? Was it because it would have shown a clear need to reject this deadly proposal? No amount of money offered by the asphalt company can justify the plant’s effect on residents’ health, 24-hour noise and contamination of the soil.
The first deaths, illness and heartbreaks will undoubtedly produce a nationwide media frenzy which is bound to reduce tourism and its income for IW businesses.
I am not being a NIMBY, I am being a NIABY — "not in anyone’s backyard".