KEETCH GOES AHEAD WITH DEFRA MEETING

5.18.39pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 26th Jul 2005

Paul Keetch, MP for Hereford, was disappointed that the Llancloudy Residents' Association decided not to send a representative to meet with DEFRA officials in London on Friday next [29 July] although he "understood how they feel about the situation in Llancloudy and the fact that the meeting is being held in London".

"It is unfortunate that the residents cannot attend the meeting," Mr Keetch said.

"I really think that we can make progress over the movement of the waste from Hill Farm and it's a pity that they will not be able to make their views known. I have decided to continue and will put the case myself. I am hopeful that a solution can be found to satisfy everybody.

"I suspect also that the residents are nervous about travelling to London given recent events. I was personally caught up in Stockwell shortly after the incident last week but was so impressed by the way in which our Police and security staff were dealing with the situation I felt remarkably safe despite the circumstances. I hope more people will feel this way and not be deterred from visiting the capital. Vigilance and common sense is obviously necessary but that has been the case for some time in London - not simply since 7 July."

Mr Keetch will meet DEFRA officials on Friday 29 July to discuss issues surrounding the transport of contaminated waste from Hill Farm, Llancloudy, which resulted from the Foot and Mouth outbreak in 2001.