Fears over traffic at planned waste site (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Fears over traffic at planned waste site

TRAFFIC around Sunhill will increase by a massive 44 percent if plans to build a controversial composting site get the go ahead.

That is according to a recently-published risk assessment report commissioned by Gloucestershire County Council.

But the Sunhill Action Group, which opposes the composting site near Fairford on several principles, say the figure is nearer 88 percent.

However, the group points out that either way the increase in lorry movements is well above 30 percent, higher than which traffic increases are hazardous.

SAG chairman Paul Lilly said: "If you are unhappy about this prospect then now is the time to act and support our campaign before it is too late.

"Don't start complaining when the lorries are disturbing your peace and using the country lanes as rat runs - do something about it right now."

The Sunhill plant would process thousands of tonnes of garden and kitchen waste before being sold to local farmers.

Objectors feel that waste materials should be dealt with as closely as possible to their source of origin, rather than transported miles.

There are also serious concerns about local residents, especially the young and elderly, being harmed by the increase in diesel fumes.

Asthmatics are known to be particularly affected by vehicle pollution.

Mr Lilly added: "Many of the surrounding narrow roads and small lanes already have difficulty in coping with car traffic, let alone juggernauts.

"If this proposal goes ahead, the lives of thousands of local residents will be devastated by vast numbers of lorries."

GCC is due to make a final decision on the Sunhill application on September 20 after the matter was deferred in February.

Scores of protesters turned up at Shire Hall and councillors voted to postpone the decision so further environmental studies could be carried out.

In the mean time the action group has been busy raising funds to pay planning experts and a top barrister to prepare a case against the application.

For more details about the SAG, which represents 13 parish councils, including Quenington, Fairford and Lechlade, visit www.sunhillactiongroup.co.uk