Incinerator site a secret - Submitted 05 Jun 2008 - Source Leicester Mercury

Leicestershire County Council is close to buying a plot of land it believes could be suitable for an incinerator, the Leicester Mercury understands.

Councillors have been warned not to reveal details about a secret report which includes the site's location in Leicestershire.

About 12 politicians have seen the document, agreed in private by the authority's ruling cabinet on Tuesday.

However, the Mercury believes it to be in North-West Leicestershire, in the county council's Ibstock and Appleby division.

Councillor Paul Hyde, who represents the area, said he could not comment.

County Hall has warned politicians they may be reported to the Standards Board for England if they speak out. The council said today they would not discuss any details.

The official minutes of the meeting say: "Cabinet approved that the director of corporate resources be authorised to proceed with the acquisition of land referred to in the report, under the terms and conditions outlined therein."

The decision was made "to enable the land referred to in the report to be made available to potential PFI bidders for the development of a long-term waste treatment facility," it says.

The council's cabinet agenda says access to the report is restricted.

Details are likely to become public if or when the land is bought.

Loughborough county councillor Max Hunt said: "I am shocked this major issue has not been properly circulated to all councillors."

Matthew Blain deputy leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, who represents the Hugglescote and Ellistown ward said: "If it was in my area I would be concerned if it was near homes. Nobody wants it on their doorsteps.

"But we all produce waste, and I guess something like this has to go somewhere."

Source Leicester Mercury 05.06.08