I WAS disturbed to read about the plan to build an incinerator operation close to the town centre on the Walworth.

Even with robust statutory air quality measuring, the damage to health within a wide radius of the chimneys will be negatively affected.

Minuscule particles will be emitted (PM 2.5 and less in size).

These particulates get into lungs and can never be shifted, leading to respiratory, circulation and cancer problems.

The current government Air Quality Management measurements do not measure these tiny particulates.

Studies have shown a statistical link between the presence of such incinerators and lower life chances.

The young and old are both particularly vulnerable.

According to the late air quality expert Dr Dick van Steenis, “The only safe way of handling waste is plasma-gasification which runs on electricity, produces vitrified gravel, hydrogen and electricity”.

It appears that the proposed installation would not be of this type.

Dr van Steenis also noted that, in general, “Incineration of waste causes a shortening of lifespan of up to 12 years often in the prime of life by increasing a range of diseases especially heart attacks and cancers.”

And it will be not only be the whole town that will be affected, but anyone who lives up to 20 miles downwind of the emissions.

There is no need for this development.

If it goes ahead, I for one will be looking to live elsewhere.

Dr Clifford Williams, Rooksbury Road, Andover