Billy Bragg joins protest against waste incinerator

Folk singer Billy Bragg told the crowd he was "disappointed" and wanted to protect the beaches

Folk singer Billy Bragg joined more than 200 campaigners protesting over plans for an incinerator near Dorset's Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

The protest, which took place on Saturday morning in Portland town centre, was organised by the Stop Portland Incinerator Campaign (SPIC).

The £150m Powerfuel Portland incinerator is expected to be able to process up to 202,000 tonnes of household, commercial and skip waste a year, creating enough energy to power about 30,000 homes.

Powerfuel Portland previously said the planned facility would "meet the treatment capacity shortage" and would "allow Dorset to manage its own waste".

Campaigners dressed as rats, flies and trucks to reflect their concerns

Bragg, who performed a few songs before speaking to the crowd, said he was at the event because he loved the beaches and wanted them to "remain as clean as they are".

He said: "It's heart-breaking that a beautiful place like Weymouth should be polluted by something so terrible as an incinerator.

"It's heart-breaking that they should even considerate building one here."

Initially the incinerator plans were rejected by Dorset Council who said its impact on the landscape "didn't fit the county's vision for waste management".

However, this was reversed by a government planning inspector and since been appealed.

Jill Johnstone from SPIC said resistance to the incinerator was "strong"

Jill Johnstone, Portland resident and spokesperson for SPIC, said: "The resistance to the incinerator is still strong.

"This campaign will not rest until Powerfuel Portland and Langham Industries decide to pull the plug on plans for this horrendous incinerator."

Weymouth resident and retired gardener Mark Stevens said: "I have not heard Powerfuel Portland explain one single way that this incinerator will improve the lives of the people of Weymouth and Portland."

He said it would leave local residents with "air pollution, rats, flies and a nasty stench".

"It has to be stopped," he added.

More than 200 campaigners peacefully protested against plans for an incinerator

Former Portland mayor and Labour councillor Carolyn Parkes said: "We have to keep our spirits up, keep strong and carry on.

"I have every hope that this judicial review is going to be successful."

Powerfuel Portland previously said: "The facility will meet the treatment capacity shortage identified in Dorset's approved Waste Plan.

"This will allow Dorset to manage its own waste and not rely on facilities in other regions or in Europe.

"We hope to work constructively with stakeholders including Dorset Council to ensure the benefits of this project are delivered."

The Environment Agency granted Powerfuel Portland an environmental permit for the incinerator in February after concluding it had met all of its necessary criteria.

The waste management company has said the facility would not burn hazardous or clinical waste.