Ash dump battle goes to Europe

8:40am Tuesday 5th June 2007

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CAMPAIGNERS from pressure group Save Radley Lakes are taking their fight to Europe in a bid to stop RWE npower using Thrupp Lake as a dumping ground for spent fuel ash from Didcot power station.

SRL treasurer Lynda Pasquire appealed to the European Parliament about the way she claims regulations on wildlife protection are being ignored in the UK.

Now the EU Committee on Petitions has asked the European Commission to conduct a preliminary investigation into the issue.

SRL chairman Basil Crowley said: "We said we would take the fight all the way to Europe. This is just one route which has been taken among others which we are considering."

Local MEP Caroline Lucas said: "Any pressure that the Commission can bring to bear on the UK Government or on RWE npower to prevent Thrupp Lake and the local area being blighted in this way would be very welcome."

Mrs Pasquire's petition accuses the British Government of ignoring regulations on the protection of wildlife.

She said: "A situation exists where the habitat of a species is not protected but the species is. For instance, a kingfisher is protected, but not the water from which it obtains its food. An otter is protected, but unless the otter is breeding, the area in which it ranges is not protected."

Oxfordshire County Council has given RWE npower the go-ahead to use Thrupp Lake to dispose of fuel ash which the company says is essential if it is to continue to provide electricity.

Protesters are also hoping to get villlage green status for the lake, preventing RWE's plans.