December 7, 2000 14:34: A LOCAL government adviser has described the waste incinerator at Edmonton as "the way forward" in waste management.

In a study tour of the site Adam Read, a Kingston University research fellow, addressed a group of waste specialists at the plant, which serves Waltham Forest as well as six other London boroughs.

He said: "This facility is not a bonfire in a shed but a power station using society's waste as a power source."

He praised North London Waste Authority (NLWA), which manages the plant, saying: "The company's approach to waste management is the best value option for the boroughs in question, providing a renewable energy source and materials recycling in a cost-effective and environmentally-acceptable manner."

David Sargent, NLWA's managing director, said: "If we are to make sure that we develop in an environmentally sustainable way, we must all follow the principles of the 3Rs reducing waste, reusing it and recycling.

"But it would be naive to think we can move today at one fell swoop from a throwaway society to one that recycles all of its waste."

The incinerator has provoked a strong reaction, with Greenpeace protesters highlighting the possible health hazard of the plant, claiming it produces the equivalent of 90 wheelie bins of toxic gas every second.

The environmental group says its studies have shown a wide range of adverse health effects on workers and populations living near incinerators, including increased incidents of cancer, asthma and birth defects. And it says despite this, plans are currently underway to extend the Edmonton plant by 50 per cent, making it the largest incinerator in Europe.

Residents of Chingford and Walthamstow and neighbouring boroughs (including: Enfield, Haringey, Hackney, Camden and Islington) have formed a campaign group to demand that the incinerator is closed.

There will be a protest march against the incinerator at the entrance to Edmonton Green shopping centre from 1pm on Saturday, December 9.