There's been some discussion on social media about why I did not attend the meeting last night, Wednesday, organized by MVV. I have not received any official invitation to this meeting. The last correspondence I received was in October regarding the purchase of the orchard next door. I was aware of the event from social media, but I was in the House of Commons chamber voting on grooming gangs on Wednesday night.
In any event, I do not regard the community engagement from the developer as anything other than a smokescreen to justify an appalling eyesore that will pollute the town and subject the surrounding area to damaging traffic congestion. This is sham consultation and we all should not fall into playing the developer's game.
I highlighted flaws with the earlier consultation by MVV at the public hearing stage, when it was clear the developer was not providing clear notice or proper engagement. These concerns were ignored by MVV. So, it is no surprise that those who attended this phoney consultation last week complained about the lack of notice and engagement.
That the latest consultation is flawed should not be a surprise given the previous one was too. What is surprising is that some of those who have been most engaged in opposing the incinerator now want to do the developers bidding and give the latest flawed consultation more legitimacy by taking on an official role. That is a mistake and a remarkable U turn. It is not a serious consultation, and I do not believe the developer has any intention of making material changes based on the latest consultation. As such it should be rejected not supported.
So, I see no reason to attend any event organized by MVV. I have asked all councillors and any declared candidates in this year's local election to sign a pledge to the people of Fenland to boycott the MVV incinerator by not voting for or supporting its use in any way.
You can see the names of those who are joining me in this boycott and those who have refused
