JUDICIAL REVIEW CONFIRMS KEETCH'S VIEW

11.01.00am GMT Mon 21st Feb 2005

Paul Keetch, Lib Dem MP for Hereford, was pleased to hear news that the Madley Waste Watchers judicial review had been successful and the outcome announced that Herefordshire Council had acted inappropriately in the case of siting the recycling plant at Madley.

"The judgment in this case comes as no surprise to me," the MP stated. "I have always thought that the plant was not suited to the Madley site and have supported the pressure group in their efforts to persuade Herefordshire Council to review the application.

"What a shame this Tory Council did not see fit to look again at alternative sites - it could have saved a great deal of time and money - instead they had to stick to their narrow view and now, once again, local tax payers will be footing the bill no doubt for this Council's further maladministration. How many more cases are we likely to have to pay for due to this Council's inability to lead effectively?" Paul Keetch asked.

"This Tory led Council has now been capped by the Government, criticised by Ministers and ruled against by the Courts. They fail to listen to local people time after time.

"The best site for the recycling plant has to be near a main road and preferably close to a rail link," Paul Keetch added, "In my opinion Moreton-on-Lugg is the best area and the Council know this through correspondence that has passed between us. The landowners of the site are also keen to see that it is considered so why does it take the outcome of a judicial review to prompt the Council into action?"