The following are the results from a meeting with Bob Kerslake, Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council. A petition of over 200 names will be handed in to the next meeting of Council on 31st January at 2pm. The petition demands that the dust and soil in the residential areas around Bernard Road incinerator be tested for dioxins. The meeting discussed the continuing concern of residents close to the incinerator that their health may be affected by pollution such as dioxins. The meeting agreed to look into the possibility of testing the plume of smoke that often blows towards the flats, which are at a similar height to the top of the chimney.
Dioxins have a wide range of toxic effects.
They are carcinogenic and can effect the reproductive system and the immune system. Members from St John's Church have been concerned about this and hosted a public meeting last January where Councillor Baker agreed to test the dust on the windowsills of the flats. This was done but the tests did not include dioxins as the meeting requested. The meeting also discussed recycling. Mr Kerslake agreed that the website of Sheffield Heat and Power should urgently be amended as this contained false information.