CRIES OF SHAME OVER BURNER

Among other things, the plan seeks to have a waste incinerator built at Newhaven's North Quay.

The meeting began with some innocent-enough heckling from parts of the 40-strong audience.

Chairman Cllr Peter Jones then immediately declared his intention of keeping to protocol by declaring: 'This is a meeting of the council '“ not a pantomime.'

When the heckling continued, he threatened to have the public gallery cleared and, if necessary, the police called.

When he asked if people were willing to be quiet, a voice replied: 'It depends what you are going to say.'

The debate then continued in relative equanimity until the plan was agreed without amendment.

There were then calls of 'shame' as the protesters stood up to leave.

Some shouted that the proposed incinerator would damage the health of local people.

Outside, one protester, who did not want to be named, said Cllr Jones had deliberately provoked those present by over-reacting to mild heckling.

And Linda Sheppard, representing DOVE (Defenders of the Ouse Valley and Estuary, said: 'The councillors went through the motions of appearing open and impartial.

'But it was quite clear to us that they had already made their decision in advance.

'We shall be out in force when the full council makes the final decision on December 6.'