Cancer fears over Perth incinerator plans

Nov 24 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A MOTHER fears her child’s recovery from cancer could be put in jeopardy if an incinerator is built in Perth.

Part-time student Lynne McKinlay (30) told the PA that her family would be forced to move away from the Fair City’s centre if Perth and Kinross Council approves Grundon Waste Management Ltd’s massively controversial plans for an energy-from-waste plant at Shore Road.

Councillors are due to deliver their verdict on the £100million scheme today, but the South Street resident hit out at the local authority for allegedly failing to consult residents faced with the prospect of living in the shadow of the giant waste-burning stack.

“I used to stay in Tulloch then we moved away because my son Jamie, who is 10, was diagnosed with cancer,” said Ms McKinlay yesterday.

“It was supposed to be a fresh start then this incinerator plan comes up.

“Jamie has a rare form of cancer and he finished receiving treatment for it last year.

“He has had to get radical radiotherapy but is not in remission yet.

“We need to live a healthier life at home, but there’s nothing we’re able to do to control the toxic waste that could be coming out of the area behind where we stay.”

Jamie has alveolar rhabdomysarcoma, a cancer that commonly affects older children or teenagers.

Usually occurring in the arms, legs or trunk, the cancer is made up of cells that normally develop into skeletal muscles.

Miss McKinlay, who also has daughters aged 11 and eight, said giving the go-ahead to the Grundon project would have serious health implications for her son.

“Because he has had radiotherapy, Jamie is more likely to develop a tumour,” added the Dundee University philosophy student.

“He has had a year’s treatment between Yorkhill and Ninewells hospitals but nobody from the council has asked anybody living here about the health risk.

“I will be able to see the incinerator from my bedroom window.

“Can they guarantee me Jamie is not at increased risk? They cannot give me a guarantee. For every pseudo-intellectual who says it is right there is another who disagrees.”

David Bellamy

The council has been bombarded with almost 1000 letters of objection to the proposals, which have also been panned by leading environmental campaigners including television botanist Professor David Bellamy.