CLYDEBANK'S MSP has raised concerns in the Scottish Parliament about a proposed £20 million plastic-to-hydrogen plant for the town.

During general parliament business, Marie McNair was addressing the government minister for business, trade, tourism and enterprise, Ivan McKee, when she voiced opposition to the proposals for Rothesay Dock.

She said: “Residents within my constituency of Clydebank and Milngavie have approached me with concerns over the application that has been submitted by Peel Plastics to build a plastic-to-hydrogen facility and hydrogen vehicle refuelling station in Clydebank.

"The development is proposed to include a thermal conversion plant that would utilise an advanced thermal treatment process involving gasification to convert waste plastic into hydrogen electricity and potentially heat.

"Many of the concerns raised have been about the potential hazards and unknown level of pollution that this may cause.

Clydebank Post: Local residents braved stormy conditions to voice their opposition to the plantLocal residents braved stormy conditions to voice their opposition to the plant (Image: Newsquest)

"I am on the side of my constituents, who also feel that they have not been consulted on this proposal. Does the minister agree with me that the views of my constituents are of major importance when considering this proposal?"

The minister responded by assuring Ms McNair that all applications would be assessed against their potential environmental, societal, and economic impacts.

In June, the Post reported how plans for the plant - only the second of its kind in the UK - were approved by West Dunbartonshire Council's planning committee.

And speaking to the Post after Ms McNair's Holyrood comments, protest organiser Kenny Little believes that land at the Rothesay Dock should be preserved for nature.

He said: "There is a strong likelihood that the Scottish Government are going to bomb it out because the hydrogen they propose to extract from burning tons and tons of plastic on our doorstep is not actually 'green' nor renewable - the wrong type of hydrogen.

"That plus their own moratorium on incineration is likely to see the proposal thrown out.

"I have already started campaign number two, which is to have the land use changed.

"Clydebank was once the beating heart of industrial Scotland, but not anymore; it is a commercial, retail and residential area with this one wee pocket of land - Rothesay Dock - still deemed to be an industrial site.

"That is why greedy opportunists like Peel L and P want to exploit the people of Clydebank and move in and s*** on top of us with their toxic plant.

"I think not. I told you then and I'll say it again, I will fight them tooth and nail until they are driven out. If I have my way that land will become a waterfront nature reserve and park for Clydebank residents to enjoy. The fight goes on."

 

Read More: Clydebank set for 'innovative' new hydrogen plant as plans approved

 

And in July, Bankies braved the rain to voice their frustration and disapproval of the plans when they staged a public protest on Dock Street.

 

Read More: Clydebank residents in plastics plant protest

 

Speaking after raising the issue, Ms McNair said “I am on the side of my constituents who have raised serious concerns about this proposal.

"I have already conveyed my opposition in writing about this proposal but was keen to get it firmly on the record in parliament to the minister responsible.

"There was a real lack of consultation with the people of Clydebank on this controversial proposal and I am adding my voice to help ensure our concerns are heard loud and clear before any final decision is made."