A campaign group opposing proposals to build a controversial waste plant have taken their fight online, as they look to raise money to cover their legal fees.
The Lower Sirhowy Valley Residents Group is looking to raise £3,000 to cover their legal costs as they oppose the plans to grant a permit for the plant on Nine Mile Point Industrial Estate, near Cwmfelinfach.
In January, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) turned down a permit application from the plant’s operators, Hazrem Environmental Ltd, after raising concerns over the prospective health of nearby communities.
However, last month Hazrem submitted an appeal over the decision, which the environmental agency has decided not to contest.
NRW said the operator had included “extra technical information” in its appeal.
Jan Jones, of Lower Sirhowy Valley Residents Group, said campaigners were “surprised and very disappointed” when they learnt of NRW’s decision to stand down.
The former Ynysddu councillor, who stepped down in May’s elections, said: “We are on our own now.
“We were disappointed when Natural Resources Wales withdrew their opposition, but we continue to fight the appeal.
“We’ve got massive support from the local communities, and the response to this fundraiser from the valley has been magnificent.
“All money raised will cover our legal costs.”
Visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/stop-the-hazrem-permit for further details.