FURIOUS protesters have confronted Derby City Council's leader over his insistence that a controversial waste treatment plant will be built in Sinfin.
Campaigners who are fighting against the proposed plant, which would be built in Sinfin Lane, have vowed to work together to vote Paul Bayliss and his Labour party out of power.
They put a series of questions to him at a fiery neighbourhood forum meeting held last night in Sinfin.
Mr Bayliss said earlier this month that not building the plant would bankrupt the city council in legal fees and damages and warned that every month the plant was not running and processing waste was costing the county £1 million in lost savings.
The announcement was made despite campaigners lodging a legal challenge to the decision by an inspector, who had ordered planning permission to be granted.
Last night, at Redwood Junior School, residents against the plant challenged Mr Bayliss.
Anthony Slater, chairman of the Osmaston Community Association of Residents – Oscar – said he felt betrayed by Mr Bayliss's announcement.
He said: "I voted for Labour. You were on the front of the Derby Telegraph a few years ago speaking out against the incinerator when you weren't in power. Looking at it now it seems you were just trying to score points. I won't be voting Labour again."
It was a point taken up by several residents, who agreed to campaign to remove the party from power.
Mr Bayliss conceded that he had been reported as speaking against the plant. He said: "I have legal advice which tells me that we have to go ahead with this plant or we are breaking the law.
"We can't afford to have the massive legal bills if we don't because it will be devastating to other city services."
One resident said he felt it was unfair that Sinfin had been chosen as the site for the plant. He said: "It will be in the most deprived ward which already has poor air quality."
Mr Bayliss responded: "There are huge industries in Sinfin and you have land here which has been used for industry and we have to use it again for this purpose. It will be this area which most benefits from jobs."
The meeting was told all three party leaders had been invited. Tory Phillip HIckson had not replied and Lib Dem Hilary Jones had said she had a prior appointment.
