I HAVE the pleasure to chair the Environmental Liaison Committee for the New Forest District Council where the larger companies along the waterside come to advise us of any changes in environmental controls and achievements.

During last Friday’s meeting we had a report from Southampton Airport on noise and its mitigation and avoidance. We also had a report from Exxon on their emissions.

When I look in the Echo and see so many queries about environmental matters it makes me wonder why more people do not attend as the meetings are free for any member of the public or press to attend and we have a public participation time when the public can ask questions or raise points of concern.

A while back we had the question of noise in Marchwood from the dock extension and this resulted in a free flow of information and understanding on both sides.

I would like to see more industries join in the debate because when the public can liaise with the large or small companies in a open forum it helps companies to realise problems and the public can get results of problem solving or mitigation.

The meetings are on the NFDC website and the public are welcome to attend.

Cllr Allan Glass

Conservative