Not content with killing us with the toxic emissions from Sonae, Knowsley Council have now decided it's a great idea to allow use of land at the top of Simonswood Lane to dump thousands of tons of spoil from building sites. Mr Neil Turner, the Environmental Officer for Knowsley Council, had the following to say on the matter…..

The development of mounds was the subject of a planning application which was conditionally approved in February this year (03/00040). The spoil identified in this permission was to be transferred from Sugarich, Moorgate Road, Kirkby - identified in an application again approved in February (03/00041).

It's nice of Knowsley's Councillors to always approve dubious and damaging schemes here in Kirkby. The dust from these mounds in effect another kick in the teeth to the residents of Northwood, it adds to the wood dust already coming from the Sonae plant plus god knows what emissions. We have an article and photos which will soon be published slamming the atrocious environmental pollution caused by the wood dust. However this latest dust affecting residents is, so far, from an unidentifiable source - photos taken show building material, is it possible that some contractor has charged other contractors to dispose of this 'spoil'? Who is to say hazardous materials are not contained in the thousands of tons simply dumped there by convoys of trucks. For all we know there could asbestos or other dangerous materials there.

Below, a photo of the debris which is being used to create this mound


In response to complaints, Knowsley Councils Environment Officer Neil Turner had this to say…….

"On Wednesday 16th July 2003 a notice was served, by my officers, prohibiting the emission of dust by the 17th July 2003. It required that all necessary works were undertaken to prevent dust emission from the site. At a meeting last Friday, between the Architect, the Councils Project Manager and my officers, it was agreed that no more fill was to be brought on to the site and that the stockpile adjacent to the houses, that was causing concern to residents, will be removed from this position this week."

Note - in response to above: Dust was freely blowing today Aug 06 2003 as I was actually on these mounds taking photos

A fleet of 20 ton lorries 8 hours a day for the last 10 days and counting.

The mound of building spoil is being transported through Kirkby by a fleet of 20 ton lorries 8 hours a day for the last 10 days and counting. Below are some question we all very much hope Mr Neil Turner and his colleagues can answer……….

Where is this building spoil coming from?

Is this contaminated spoil that cannot be dumped else where

Why is it being dumped at its present location?

Just how much more is their going to be dumped?

Just who thought that the people of Northwood could do with a bit more contamination from the dust and lorries emissions?

Who do we send the bill for damages to should we not see the bricks and concrete that is dropped out of the lorries onto the road?

Northwood's Councillors - A farce to be reckoned with.

Where are Northwood's Councillors? Do they ever stroll up near Sonae to have a look at the pollution? So far, apart from the few words of anger to appease voters, our Councillors have done nothing to tackle the problem. They should be picketing the gates but odds are there too busy sitting on committees thinking up even more ways to mess up and sell off school fields in Northwood. They have told us for the past 3 years to have patience - but now it seems Sonae are to get a rail link and Millions of Northwood SRB money has been given to this purpose. Kirkby Times has long pointed to the SRB funds as an example of where Northwood is going wrong. Millions which could have helped build playgrounds and community centres goes instead to a rail development or any one of a number of questionable schemes. Northwood's Councillors don't want to know. Community leaders shy away from becoming involved in even debating the fact millions we desperately need are being squandered. What would you choose? A rail link for Sonae and a few factories like QVC - or facilities for the community? Did anyone ever ask you what we should spend this money on?

Seven Million pounds of Northwood SRB funds to help Sonae out!

£7,000,000 match funding went to the rail link so a whopping £14,000,000 is dished out to some very happy people indeed. It's a contractors dream. The Railway track could be used by Sonae to great advantage - this, along with other grants received by Sonae - plus a council which would sell its own mother, is why Sonae came here. It's amazing that a 7 million chunk of SRB money is spent when the only jobs created number just 15. That's almost One Million for each Job created. They hope that the railway will be a 'catalyst' for 1000 jobs, but you would hope that they could give definite figures. The 1000 jobs figure is simply unfounded and many of these figures regarding regeneration have been shown to more guesswork than economic science at play. However - rumours of Sonae actually expanding may have some truth if the projected jobs are so high. As usual - no-ones saying anything. Odds are Knowsley Council are all for Sonae staying here. It's possible Neil Turners just a puppet they dangle to take our eyes off what's really going on. No offence Neil, but your power seems limited and for us to simply wait for your department to solve our problems would be folly indeed. There are some good people in Knowsley Councils management and the higher tiers, but it remains obvious that most are simply there for the money and care little for what happens here in Kirkby. Kirkby Times appeals to anyone in Knowsley Council to leak information regarding Sonae or any other matters which are of concern to the community. The secrecy has got to stop and treating the working class community of Kirkby as a toxic dumping ground has got to stop.

Thanks to our man on the spot in Northwood for the excellent information and please email your Councillor or the environmental department regarding Sonae. Keep pressuring them.

Coming soon KATS - what is happening with this campaign - ?