Radley Lakes - Local Members Speak Out

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 10th Jul 2006

Councillor Bob Johnston representing Radley, including the Lakes, and Councillor Lesley Legge representing the adjacent area (Abingdon East) spoke out at the County Council's Planning & Regulation Committee on 10th July to represent their constituents' opposition to ash being dumped in the Lakes.

Lesley said, "Radley Lakes are 40/50 years old and are a real living amenity, a natural habitat for many forms of wild life - some important and protected species, and from which people gain relaxation, inspiration and breathing space. I do not believe that nPower have shown an overwhelming need for using them in this way."

Bob said, "To fill the lake with PFA would be an act of ecological vandalism. The lakes are rare pristine aquatic habitats, very much under threat as a national resource from development etc. What makes them so uncommon is their huge diversity. It is very rare to see so many species of wildfowl, freshwater invertebrates, bees, aquatic plants and so on in one habitat."

The application by nPower was approved by 9 votes to 5. Lesley and Bob expressed their deep disappointment after the meeting. Bob added, "It is essential that the Secretary of State calls the plan in, and vetoes it."