THERE have been mixed reactions from Shuttle readers following the announcement of new plans to build a £30m energy park in Kidderminster.

A proposal to develop an energy centre, using non-hazardous commercial and industrial waste to generate low carbon energy, and a plastics recovery plant on land next to the Liberty Aluminium Foundry in Stourport were revealed earlier this week.

The company set up to run the project, Power Generation Midlands (PGM), says the park could divert around 105,000 tonnes of waste from landfill every year, including 30,000 tonnes of plastic which could be turned into granules for new products such as garden furniture and decking.

But concerns have already been raised from Kidderminster residents, with some describing the proposal as "unnecessary".

One reader said: "Not a good idea at all. We've already got the one at Hartlebury. This is certainly the wrong thing for Wyre Forest as it hopes to lower carbon emissions."

Stephen Brown said: "The data for environmental damage is already well known despite whatever the company wants to project on us."

He added: "It’s not green or zero carbon energy, it’s not renewable either - that’s a lie.

"Plastic manufacturers are not zero carbon anymore than burning it for energy is. It’s an environmentally destructive and inefficient way to create energy."

Another reader wrote: "Seems dangerous, and unnecessary since we have the Hartlebury incinerator."

Other readers have shared their support for the park, applauding the creation of new jobs.

As part of the plans, energy produced at the park would be used to supply electricity and heat to the foundry next door.

The park itself is expected to create 60 construction jobs and 25 permanent jobs once complete, while the power provided to Liberty Aluminium would allow the foundry to expand its operations in the town - investing £8m and creating a further 100 jobs.

One reader commented: "Great idea, the amount of plastic we waste - put it to good use."

Another wrote: "Brilliant. Kidderminster to lead the way. Jobs and the environment. What's not to love?"

One supporter said: "It's nice to see some joined up thinking. Using energy from recycled waste is a great move."

Responding to concerns, Damian Courtney, of PGM, said: “The Energy and Resource Park will take non-hazardous commercial and industrial waste from businesses in the local area.

"We are already talking to local suppliers who currently send their waste to landfill that are interested in sending it to us. We are not looking at taking waste that currently goes to the Hartlebury energy from waste facility.

“When waste arrives at the Energy and Resource Park it will already have had recyclable materials removed. In line with government policy, it will take waste where the only other realistic option is landfill, creating a low carbon energy rather than it just being buried in the ground.

“The plastics recovery plant will take plastic waste, such as plastic bags, film and containers, that would otherwise end up in landfill or exported overseas.

"The process doesn’t burn the plastic, it’s broken down into granules that can then be used to make new products like garden furniture and decking.

"The energy centre will use proven technology and the process is closely regulated by the Environment Agency.

"Before it can operate the energy centre will need planning permission and an Environmental Permit and it will have to meet very strict emissions limits.

"Emissions data is monitored continually with safety controls designed to shut the plant down if it exceeds allowed levels."

PGM hopes to submit an official planning application to Worcestershire County Council this summer.

If the application is approved, the project is expected to take up to two years to build.

A public consultation on the plans is now under way and newsletters have been sent to more than 5,000 households and businesses in Kidderminster.

Visit powergenerationmidlands.co.uk to fill out an online questionnaire before June 26.