BOOTLE
29 August 2018
www.champnews.com
Vol 25 ● Issue 35
GASWORKS SITE DEMOLITION
INSIDE THIS WEEK...
IS PUT ON HOLD
More safety checks needed before work can go ahead GCSE Report by Tom Martin
PLANS to demolish a former gasworks depot in Bootle will be put on hold for now after the National Grid was told it needs to carry out more checks to make sure it's safe. Sefton Council ruled last week that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be necessary before they can give a green light for the complex demolition work to begin at the 13 acre site. The local authority believes the dismantling of the six gas holders could give rise to “significant environmental effects” and this needs to be looked at in more detail. According to the government's website, an EIA aims to “protect the environment” and that any development is carried out “in the full knowledge of the likely significant effects, and takes this into account in the decision making process.” A report published last week by Sefton Council states: “Whilst the site is not a sensitive area, it is known to be heavily contaminated, has potentially significant air quality, waste management and noise impacts, and is very close to sensitive receptors. “We consider that the demolition works
The gasworks depot
are likely to give rise to alone and in-combination significant environmental effects. Therefore, I advise an Environmental Impact Assessment is required for this project.” The government website also states that an EIA “is to ensure that the public are given early and effective opportunit-
ies to participate in the decision making procedures.” Some residents are unhappy at what they claim is a lack of information being made available to them on the National Grid plans, saying it is therefore difficult to give feedback. National Grid held a recent information
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day at Linacre Mission, but according to one resident who contacted the Champion, not enough people were told. The National Grid have now agreed to hold another one and make more people aware. Bootle resident Ann Carney said: “They held an information day at Linacre Mission but they only sent out a limited number of letters advertising the event. After complaints they have agreed to hold the event again in September.” Residents who live near the 13 acre site have been told the lengthy demolition process, which could take nearly a year and a half to complete, could see up to 48 lorries travel in and out of the site across the duration of the work. The site, which is on the corner of Litherland Road and Marsh Lane, has six gas holders and the ‘redundant infrastructure’ will need to be torn down. The complex method of demolition will take so long because of the close proximity of nearby properties and the potential for the proposed works to release emissions. Ann believes that if the plan gets the goahead, special attention will need to be paid to “50ft voids” of land which will be left once the gas tanks are removed, with concerns they could attract anti-social behaviour. Continued inside
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