It may be a long way from Essex, but still a concern for all of us when the UKÂ becomes the dumping ground for the some the worlds most toxic ships.
A French aircraft carrier absolutely laden with asbestos and other deadly toxins has been taken to a specialist Hartlepool dock yard to be dismantled. It will, admittedly, provide jobs for 700 people – but at what cost to the community that will have this waste dumped into landfill on their doorstep?
One certainly wonders why we are being encouraged to recycle and avoid landfill – and then we take another countries toxic waste to put into landfill in the UK.Â
Locals who helped to build the dock also believe the toxic waste from this ship will leach into the sea as it is being dismanted.
Unwise environmental decisions are continually being made because of short term financial gains, such as the decisions to build huge incineratos in Essex. These will all have disastrous long term effects for future generations. Surely it must be our duty to avoid these situations if we possibly can?