MORE than 600 protestors marched from East Morton into Keighley town centre this afternoon to oppose plans for a waste to energy incinerator at Marley.

The event, staged by Aire Valley Against Incineration, (AVAI) saw people gather at East Morton Recreation Ground from 12.30pm then march down into Keighley via Carr Lane, Swine Lane, Riddlesden and Stockbridge.

Protestors, spurred on by a pair of drummers, briefly rallied in a corner of Victoria Park to allow more people to join. They then headed for Church Green via Hard Ings Road, Lawkholme Lane, Cavendish Street and North Street.

Referring to the applicant behind the plans for the incinerator, they chanted, "Endless Energy, you're not wanted here", and, "Say it loud, say it clear, toxic air's not wanted here."

Many wore bright yellow Aire Valley Against Incineration t-shirts, some wore gas masks and there was a huge variety of imaginative home-made placards.

The crowd began arriving in Church Green from 2.40pm and were addressed by a passionate group of campaigners and councillors who blasted the controversial proposed incinerator, which has been approved by Bradford Council's Regulatory and Appeals Committee.

March co-organiser Rachel Shimbles told the gathering the applicant's argument that the incinerator would bring 500 jobs to the area was a myth.

She pointed out that 300 of these jobs would be temporary posts during construction, another 100 would only comprise "job relocation" if anyone occupies new offices promised by the applicant and a remaining 79 roles would be for skilled incinerator operatives – roles which will be advertised nationally.

"One of the developer's own documents says there will be no significant effects on local employment or on the local economy," she added.

"This incinerator will be burning industrial waste from all the over the UK, which will be ferried here in up to 70 heavy goods vehicles per day.

"This is a profit-making scheme by a private company who will make a lot of money from burning industrial waste from across the UK right here in Keighley, making Keighley the dustbin of the UK. I find that unacceptable.

"This will not give Keighley people cheaper electricity bills, this will be for Endless Energy's own profits."

She added that if Secretary of State Sajid Javid decides not to call in Bradford Council's decision to approve the application, the AVAI campaign would fight on and would call for a judicial review.

"I'd be happy to stand in front of a bulldozer to stop this happening," she said.

"I know we've got right on our side. We're fighting for the right to breathe toxin free air. Our clean air is not for sale."

Her arguments were backed by Keighley town councillors Andrea Walker, Ian Dermondy and John Kirby, as well as by Bradford District Green Party councillor Martin Love who also all addressed the crowd.

Another speaker, local resident Donna Irving, said: "I can't fathom why anyone would even consider putting an incinerator in this valley.

"Have a look at what the residents of Runcorn are having to put up with, with the incinerator there.

"People can't open their windows, can't sell or rent their houses, they are just stuck.

"They even miss the bird song. If this incinerator is built here we can say goodbye to all the wildlife in this valley."

Today's march and rally concluded shortly before 4pm.

The Government's Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid Javid still has to decide whether he will call in the matter to make his own determination.

Site preparation work has begun on the land next to the Aire Valley Bypass at Marley which is intended for the incinerator.

Endless Energy has said the facility would bring employment to Keighley while operating to the highest national and international environment standards.

It has also said the incinerator will be subject to independent assessment and regulation by the Environment Agency.