It’s always good to share good news, and on Friday we received just that. After months and years of campaigning by CRAIN (Carlisle Residents Against the Incinerator) and Rockcliffe residents, the planning committee of Cumberland Council decided to reject an application by North-west Regeneration. They wanted to develop an ‘Energy from Waste (EfW) facility’ which would have included a Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) fed Gasification Plant with a 23m high flue stack. The site for the facility was planned for land next to the former Unit D on Kingmoor Park Rockcliffe Estate.

Councillors voted 5 to 2 against the proposal on the grounds that the evidence of the long-term health implications was unclear. In reality, this was just one of the many reasons that objectors were against the proposal, other factors included a total lack of transparency on the part of the applicant, the council, the EA and Natural England; a massive increase in HGV traffic; pollution that would affect local wildlife; previous non-compliance with fire safety legislation by the applicant and the fact that the project would actually increase greenhouse gas emissions.

We in the local Green Party were proud to support CRAIN and Rockcliffe residents through attendance at demonstrations, submitting objections to the planning process and helping gain signatures for petitions.

This is a clear example of how ordinary people can bring about change through consistent, organised action. Well done to everyone.

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Peri is a stay-at-home Mum and proud parent of two children. As a social worker, Peri worked in Adult Social Care and Children’s Services. She has the skills and dedication to scrutinise the council, making sure our area gets its fair share, and that residents’ concerns are heard.

Peri says: “I went into social work because I wanted to help people. I still feel the same, but now I know it’s the systems that needs to change.

There are so many issues in Carlisle and its surrounding district, including buses that don’t turn up, inadequate access to NHS dentists and massive waiting lists at the hospital. We need actual change, and I will fight for us all.”

Peri says: “I have previously voted Labour, and for Cyril Weber in Harraby North. Voting for him was easy. I felt he was a hard-working councillor who cared for his community. However, I cannot continue my support for Labour under Keir Starmer, and what he has done to the Party. He has utterly failed to oppose the Conservatives and their destructive policies.
This by-election won’t change who runs the council, but giving me your vote will put a Green in the room and send a powerful message that people want a real alternative.”

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