Local MP Grant Shapps has launched a novel new tactic in the campaign against an incinerator at New Barnfield in Hatfield - a 'Save New Barnfield' wristband. The bands will be sold for £1.50 with proceeds being donated to the special needs school which currently occupies the site.

The wristbands - inspired by the Help for Heroes and Live Aid charity bands - were the idea of local resident Dawn Hunt, whose son attends Southfield School which might be moved if an incinerator is built there. The launch coincides with the start this week of the County Council's waste consultation process, which could decide the future of the New Barnfield site in south Hatfield.

"Dawn's been crucial in leading this campaign forward," said Hatfield South Councillor Dave Hughes. "Dawn is just clear on one thing: everyone wants to Save New Barnfield.

"And this is a really important time for the campaign. The consultation going on at the moment is critical if we're going to keep New Barnfield clear of this incinerator and all the disruption it would bring. Local people need to visit the consultation website or completing a form at the library. New Barnfield isn't the right place for this incinerator"

The wristbands, modelled in our photo by MP Grant Shapps, Dawn and Hatfield South Borough Councillor Dave Hughes, will be sold to local residents. And profits made from the sales will go to Southfields School at New Barnfield. They carry the slogan 'Save New Barnfield' and the campaign's web address www.SaveNewBarnfield.com

Grant said: "At the moment New Barnfield is home to two schools and a library. It would cause problems for the people of South Hatfield and their families if we had lorries rattling through every five minutes. We need local people to tell the County Council what they think about this. That's why we're pleased to support Dawn's idea of getting the wristbands made - it's a great way to show what local people really think about it."

ENDS

Editors' Notes:

Information and a link to the consultation site can be found at http://www.hertsdirect.org/envroads/environment/plan/hccdevplan/wasteplanning/

The consultation will continue from 2nd November until 18th December 2009.