Behind the Scenes: Filming Our Campaign Video

Posted 19th June 2025

On Tuesday 18th June 2025, our campaign took to the streets, fields, and parks of Newton Aycliffe to film a powerful short documentary—capturing the true strength of feeling across the community about the proposed Fornax hazardous waste incinerator.

Filmed and directed by the brilliant Dan, who generously donated his time and top-tier equipment (including stunning drone footage), the day brought together residents, councillors, business owners and families to stand up for our town and demand better.

Helen Parsons on her small holding, just 300m away from the proposed incinerator

Throughout the day, we interviewed passionate local voices who live with the consequences of this proposal hanging over them.

One of them was Helen Parsons, who lives just 300 metres from the proposed incinerator site. On her smallholding, she raises sheep, keeps chickens for their eggs and grows vegetables for her family. Helen spoke quietly but firmly about her deep concerns—it just should be somewhere else, it's too close to farming. Crops being grown on these fields here which go into making food which people are going to eat. And our animals, the sheep which go in to the food chain, and I just think it's wrong!

At the Boating Lake, we met Megan May, who had brought her young sons out to play in the park. Surrounded by the sound of birdsong and the sight of swans, ducks, moorhens and coots gliding over the water, she spoke about the reality facing parents if the incinerator is approved. “Obviously, we were concerned that we don’t want the children and ourselves as a family, breathing toxic fumes in,” she said plainly. Her words were raw, direct—and all the more powerful because of it.

We were also joined by Cllr Michael Stead, who effectively glued the mini-documentary together, guiding Dan and the crew on the concerns of the proposals. He pointed out the deep inconsistencies in the planning and permit process, the lack of public consultation, and the anger simmering across the community. “How can the permit be fairly assessed when the buildings already built, when it's already there? ” he asked, “That's pressure, not process. And it's wrong!”

Michael also used the opportunity to call on residents to demand action from the Environment Agency, urging them to scrutinise the evidence, forensically evaluate the permit, and do their duty to protect the public. His conclusion made it painfully clear: “They've got planning permission, but they haven't got a permit, and that's where we stop them! A QR code has been issued which we can scan, the Environment Agency will read every objection and every comment that comes through onto that portal. It's important that everyone engages, scans the QR codes and lets their feelings be heard”.

The day ended with children from a local nursery joining us in the park, holding homemade signs and chanting in unison: “Keep us safe from toxic waste!”

Their voices, innocent yet urgent, reminded everyone why this campaign exists. It's about protecting the people who can’t protect themselves. And it’s about demanding honesty, safety, and accountability.

We’re now working on the final edits of the video, which will be released very soon. It’s not just a film—it’s a rallying cry.

Coming soon: Our official campaign video.

• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the release

• Share the message—spread the word

• Keep raising awareness, and keep holding decision-makers to account

  
  

Because once you hear these voices, you’ll understand: This incinerator cannot go ahead.