Feedback on waste

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FEEDBACK from science column readers. Arthur Bough of Stoke SO writes about a campaign against the opening of a toxic waste dump only yards away from houses in the village of Sandyford in Stoke-onTrent:

"After unsuccessful attempts to obtain information from a local councillor, a leaflet telling residents about the dangers of toxic waste dumps in other parts of the country (using information from SO Science) was distributed.

It called for a campaign against the tip which was to receive such substances as lead, mercury, herbicides and pesticides amongst others.

This stung the council into activity. Having denied information to the residents in the past, they accused the leatlet of containing "half-truths" and "inaccuracies"

In an attempt to defuse a meeting organised by the Sandyford Action Group with the ward councilior, the Council called its own meeting to give "the real facts"

SAG organised for a mass turnout and 300 residents gave the Council and its experts a roasting. After learning "the real facts" residents are now even more determined to stop this tip.

SAG is now trying to get help from sympathetic scientists and maximum publicity for their fight.

Already, a geo-physicist surveyor has offered to put into writing his belief in the unsuitability of the site.

The Labour councillors involved got themselves into this mess by failing to consult the residents and instead relying on the assurances of council officers. Now they are reluctant to change their minds because to withdraw the licence might result in legal action and payment of compensation to the council. •But we must ask what should the council put first -money or people's lives?" "

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Socialist Organiser 8 Augüst 7981 Page 13'