Campaigners have staged a silent protest in Wisbech today (Tuesday) ahead of the first public hearing on plans to build an incinerator in the town. 

Ginny Bucknor, who heads the campaign group Wisbech Without Incineration (WisWIN), led the protest outside The Boathouse Business Centre where a preliminary meeting is being held. 

Several campaigners stood outside the venue holding yellow signs reading 'No Wisbech Incinerator', while one sign read 'Don't Kill Wisbech'.

The demonstration has been organised in relation to a national infrastructure application, submitted by MVV Environment Ltd, to build an incinerator on the Algores Way Industrial Estate. 

Speaking ahead of the planned protest, Ms Bucknor said: “I hope they (MVV Environment Ltd) realise how strongly we feel about this.” 

Wisbech Standard: Campaigners gathered outside The Boathouse Business Centre to protest against plans for an incinerator in Wisbech.Campaigners gathered outside The Boathouse Business Centre to protest against plans for an incinerator in Wisbech. (Image: Wisbech Tweet)

Wisbech Standard: Cllr Susan Wallwork, mayor of Wisbech, showed her support for the WisWIN group.Cllr Susan Wallwork, mayor of Wisbech, showed her support for the WisWIN group. (Image: Wisbech Tweet)

If given the go-ahead, the ‘Medworth Energy from Waste Combined Heat and Power Facility’ would burn household waste to generate electricity.

The firm says the site would divert more than half a million tonnes of non-recyclable waste from landfill a year, generating more than 50 megawatts of electricity. 

It would also have the capability to export steam and electricity to heat local factories.

 Wisbech Standard: Campaigners against plans for an incinerator in Wisbech held a silent protest outside The Boathouse Business Centre.Campaigners against plans for an incinerator in Wisbech held a silent protest outside The Boathouse Business Centre. (Image: Wisbech Tweet)

Wisbech Standard: Campaigners against plans for an incinerator in Wisbech held a silent protest outside The Boathouse Business Centre.Campaigners against plans for an incinerator in Wisbech held a silent protest outside The Boathouse Business Centre. (Image: Wisbech Tweet)

A preliminary meeting, which will decide how the application should be examined, is being held this morning. 

It will be followed by hearings at 10am and 6pm on February 22 and from 10am on February 23. 

A live stream will be available via the Planning Inspectorate's website.

Wisbech Standard: Campaigners against plans for an incinerator in Wisbech held a silent protest outside The Boathouse Business Centre.Campaigners against plans for an incinerator in Wisbech held a silent protest outside The Boathouse Business Centre. (Image: Wisbech Tweet) 

The Planning Inspectorate has up to six months to carry out the examination of the application, which is classed as "nationally significant". 

It must then prepare a report on the application to the relevant secretary of state including a recommendation within three months. 

The secretary of state then has three months to make the decision on whether the plant should be built.