BBC Look North Headlines Our Fight Against Toxic Waste Incineration

Posted 27th June 2025

On Wednesday 26th June 2025, our campaign took a major step forward, gaining vital regional exposure as BBC Look North covered our fight against the proposed hazardous waste incinerator at Fornax, Newton Aycliffe.

Cllr Michael Stead being interviewed by Mark Denton from BBC Look North

The story made headline news on both the lunchtime (1.35pm) and evening (6.30pm) broadcasts, reaching thousands across the North East. It was a powerful moment of recognition for our community’s tireless efforts—and a signal that our voices are being heard far beyond Aycliffe Business Park.

Filmed on site, the piece featured interviews with campaigners and local representatives, highlighting our concerns about the environmental and public health impacts of the development.

Interviewed by BBC’s Mark Denton, the segment included:

• Cllr Michael Stead, who emphasised the strength of feeling across the local community and the lack of transparency in the planning process.

• Helen Parsons, whose clarity and passion brought home the potential risks to families, workers, and wildlife in the area.

• Andrew Cherrie, who outlined the wider implications of the Fornax North East development—not just for Newton Aycliffe, but for other communities where hazardous incineration could become a precedent.

  
  

Our campaign—rooted in a coalition of concerned residents, environmental advocates, and local business owners—has been pushing back against the incinerator proposal since it first emerged. We’ve questioned its alignment with County Durham’s environmental and net-zero policies, challenged the investment logic behind it (including public pension fund involvement via Gresham House), and raised serious doubts about the long-term safety of the facility.

Seeing our cause spotlighted on regional television—and leading the news—was a moment of vindication. It validated months of work: the leafleting, the council petitions, the public meetings, the FOI requests, and the growing wave of support both online and off.

But the fight is not over.

We’ll continue to demand accountability, transparency, and a safe, sustainable future for our area. If you missed the broadcast, we’ll be sharing clips soon. In the meantime, thank you to everyone who’s stood with us so far—and to the BBC for shining a light on an issue that can no longer be ignored.

Want to help?

• Visit our website www.stophli.org

• Read our focused guidance and submit your objection

• Write to your local councillor, MP and Prime Minister

• Follow us on social media for updates

• Share this story and help spread the word

  
  

Together, we’re proving that communities can stand up—and be seen.