Portland Incinerator Campaign
Campaigners with an information leaflet at the Corn Exchange, Dorchester, where Langham Wines sponsored an Arts event
Campaigners in Portland are asking why an environmentally conscious company is linked to the controversial incinerator project that threatens to bring pollution to the Jurassic Coast.
Langham Wines, near Dorchester, says that it produces “honest wines” that “minimise environmental impact”. But 20 miles away in Portland its sister company, Portland Port, is part of the bid to build a waste incinerator that will bring the danger of pollution in a densely populated area.
Local organisations are united in opposition to the incinerator project: Dorset Council, Portland Town Council and Weymouth Town Council have all declared against it, as has local MP Lloyd Hatton.
Langham Wines has won prizes for its products, which it says are “vegan and vegetarian friendly”. Campaigners against the incinerator ask why such concern for the environment and for consumers does not extend to people in Portland and more widely across South Dorset who are likely to be affected by the waste burner. A recent report shows that incinerators are associated with toxic fumes and the spread of vermin attracted by waste.
Langham Wines says that it is a distinct and different company from Portland Port. But the two appear to be closely connected. Portland Port is part of Langham Industries, which shares an official company address with Langham Wines at Bingham’s Melcombe near Dorchester. And the two companies share directors, including members of the Langham family.
These are plainly sister companies. Why can’t Portland Port pursue environmentally friendly policies like those that have made Langham Wines successful? Why must people in Portland experience dangers that, says The Nightmare Next Door – a recent report on waste incinerators from the BBC – bring a host of problems for local residents.
Incinerators are routinely placed in areas of social deprivation – and Portland is no exception. Several of Dorset’s most deprived local areas are on the Island, which now faces not only the prospect of pollution from the incinerator but also from the scores of lorries that will deliver waste each day.
We want Langham to abandon this scheme, which is opposed by people across Portland and the Jurassic Coast. Maybe then – only then – we can enjoy a glass of their wine.
