Eleven Greenpeace volunteers today ended their occupation of Sheffield incinerator after successfully protecting the people of the city from polluting gases for three days.
The volunteers occupying the plant maintain that they acted lawfully but have agreed to comply with an injunction from Leeds High Court.
Mark Strutt, one of five volunteers camped on top of the incinerator chimney, said:
"We have successfully stopped this incinerator from polluting Sheffield for three days and received a great deal of support from people who live and work in the shadow of this toxic plant. As far as we are concerned our occupation was lawful."
"Sheffield incinerator has broken pollution laws 178 times in the last three years and discharges hundreds of tonnes of poisonous gases every year. We are sad that Sheffield Council has wasted money going to the courts rather than spending money on giving this city a modern clean recycling plant."
Greenpeace has issued a challenge to Sheffield City Council to come to a public meeting this Saturday to debate the issue of incineration. The meeting is organised by local community group Impact and guest speakers include incineration expert Keith Collins. Local parliamentary candidates have also been invited.
Mark Strutt added:
"Sheffield Council have repeatedly ignored our requests for open and frank debate about incineration and shown contempt for the concerns of local residents. If they are really serious about solving Sheffield's waste problems they should come to the meeting on Saturday and discuss the issues with local people."
Public meeting: Saturday May 26th at 2pm, St John's Church, Bernard Street, Sheffield.
Further information:
Contact:
Greenpeace press office on 020 78658255
