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Hi All!

The MRAPP team would like to thank all who managed to attend the Court of Session over the past two days.  It was very important to show our campaign is not waning and the turnout both days proved that we are stronger than ever in our resolve to stop the Simon Howie incinerator.  Our biggest enemy (apart from Howie) is apathy but we are glad to say we have fantastic ongoing support from Monklands and we will continue fighting, however long it takes.

The following is a summary of both days:

Day 1-19th Jan (x 15)

A group of MRAPP campaigners, Cllr Jim Brooks and Brian Cooney from Elaine Smith's office attended the Court of Session in Edinburgh to hear the case of NLC vs Shore Energy.  Douglas Armstrong QC p resented a strong case challenging the decision notice of the Scottish Minister's appointed Reporters. 

Supporters from Shawhead, Carnbroe, Old Monkland, Cairnhill and Shawhead were in Court to hear NLC state the decision by the Reporters was flawed, in particular the "urgent need" they referred to in their decision notice and their interpretation of the proximity principle.  Representing Shore Energy was Mr Thompson - who presented his case in the last 15 minutes of the day.

Day 2  20th Jan (x 27 campaigners present, including Cllr John Higgins)

First victory for MRAPP - following a 'frank exchange of views' between Alan Gibson, myself & the Clerk of Court regarding the lack of seating in Court 7 we were pleased to be told the case would be moved to Court 15 which would allow us all a seat!

Next victory (for MRAPP AND commonsense) - the Clerk informed us that children were not allowed in Court (NOT the case!).  Again, a further frank exchange of views resulted in the Judge, Lord Stewart, allowing the girls to stay.  Well done Sharon C for pointing out the girls have been part of the campaign from the very start and should not be excluded.  After all, aren't we doing it for them???

Mr Thompson (Shore) continued this morning, obviously refuting everything NLC stated yesterday - one of his main points was that NLC should not be thinking about waste as a local issue but should consider the total waste arisings from the whole of Scotland. Another point was that facilities already given planning permission should not be considered as none of them were built yet, in particular Greengairs which was approved in 2009.

Can't recall the context in which this next comment was made, but the judge's response to a statement by Mr Thompson was ' so there is a shift of pollution control taken from the community and put into an area where they shall have no control?

Our crowd loudly voiced their agreement when he said this!

Shortly after this, the judge also made reference to the EU Directive on Human Rights - again he got a very vocal reaction from us.

At this point, Mr Garvie (Simon Howie's Project Director) had his head in his hands, I could swear he was crying .....

Closing statement from Mr Muir for Shore Energy - the judge allowed him to waffle on at length, including making a bizarre statement about the site selection and it's excellent transport links, and water/rail options on either side.  Should we now be prepared to see container loads of waste sailing tentatively up the River Calder???

We won't know the outcome for several weeks - meantime we will continue to actively campaign against Shore Energy.  MRAPP have amazing support throughout Monklands - no one, apart from Simon Howie, wants this incinerator in our Community.   Just a wee reminder that we have been holding Simon Howie off since May 2009 and with your support will keep going.

Thanks again for joining us in Edinburgh folks. 

All best from MRAPP Team

Maggie

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