The letter from the Green and Independent Group of local councillors published in the Times (January 23) pushes new pollution concerns they say the proposed Essex incinerator would bring.

The letter writers condemn the movement of lorries bringing waste, but do not suggest an alternative for its disposal.

Short of burying it in landfill in our back gardens, any plan for waste disposal will involvement such transport. Wishing the waste to disappear is not a practical alternative.

They condemn the production of CO2, but fail to mention that this is the by-product of generating electrical power, enough to supply 60,000 homes.

So that’s around the same quantity of CO2 that need not be generated by conventional fuel-burning power plants. Net CO2 effect - approximately zero.

It is ironic that an earlier generation of green-minded campaigners hindered the adoption of CO2-free nuclear power plants, so that only about 25 per cent of our power is generated in manner.

The letter writers complain of a lack of joined-up thinking, but I would suggest that this lack is evident in their criticisms.

It is unfortunately much easier to criticise, rouse anger at change and to protest than to come up with solutions to real-world problems.

Geoffrey Cohen

Powers Hall End, Witham