Wisbech Residents Dread Towering Incinerator Looming Over Historic Town

Residents of Wisbech, Cambridgeshire are bracing themselves for the imminent construction of a massive incinerator that they fear will forever change the character of their historic market town. Work on the Medworth incinerator is set to begin in the coming days, and locals are dreading the impact they believe it will have on their community.

The incinerator's towering chimneys, standing at 95 meters (311 feet), will dwarf the spires of the nearby Ely Cathedral, which reach just 66 meters (216 feet). Locals argue that these imposing structures will be a "complete and utter blot on the landscape," ruining the town's quintessential Fenland scenery. Residents also worry about the noise, relentless traffic, and foul stench they claim the project will bring, fearing it will deter visitors from enjoying Wisbech's historic architecture and popular fairs.

Beyond the aesthetic concerns, locals are deeply worried about the potential health and environmental consequences of the incinerator. Residents fear the burning of waste could release harmful toxins into the air, putting the health of nearby schoolchildren at risk. There are also concerns about the impact on the area's thriving agriculture, as Wisbech is situated in the middle of the productive Fens region.

Despite fierce opposition from the local community, the incinerator was granted approval in 2024 by the then-Energy and Net Zero Secretary. With construction now imminent, many Wisbech residents feel a sense of resignation, acknowledging that their David-versus-Goliath fight has likely come to an end.