Representation by Elaine Ann Jefferis
- Date submitted
- 15 November 2022
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
As an owner of a business situated on the industrial estate where this project is going to be built, it is important to note my rejection against this project. The impact on my business as well as the wellbeing of my staff is too great. My rejection is based on three things: Traffic, Health & Economy. My business is based down the very road this project is set to be built on. Anyone who works down this road or indeed on this industrial estate, will tell you that traffic congestion is a huge problem, as are the quality of the roads, which are poorly maintained. The roads in their current state cannot cope with the traffic current businesses around us generate. The number of lorries that travel into our industrial estate already have a negative impact on our road conditions, and when road works are scheduled to fix an issue such as potholes, sunken roads or burst water pipes, the knock-on effect to businesses in the area is detrimental. The road infrastructure that is currently in place, coupled with the support and maintenance provided, simply cannot cope. Our industrial estate doesn’t stand a chance if this project goes ahead. In 2014 the government established the road investment strategy and identified the East of England as an area that needed major investments. Within this area 17 major road schemes were put into place and 6 of those schemes are solely for the A47. This alone highlights the already noted congestion problems with the A47 and none of the above scheme’s factor Wisbech into them. The resulted delays highlighted the concerns regarding safety for all road users. It should also be noted that in the entirety of the Fens there is only ½ a mile of dual carriage way – the rest is all single carriage ways and small country lanes, none of which would cope with the incinerator project. It is my responsibly as an employer to my staff and their families to consider the health risks that this project poses a threat to. Those that have moved to this area for a quieter and healthier life may, as a result of this project being successful, choose to leave and move away. This will impact smaller businesses in the town, as well as our property prices and economic growth. The pollution that will be generated is not something ANY town should be subjected to. This project, quite simply, should be built offshore where it cannot affect our children and our future generations.