Day-long rock fundraiser bids to top up fighting funds for Northampton power plant protesters

Rolton Kilbride wants to build a £160 million plant on the site of the Westbridge Depot in St James Mill Road, but the scheme has proved controversial.

Last month a campaign group, No Monster Incinerator in Northampton, announced plans to stage their own referendum in St James, in which it would ask residents of the area whether they want the plant or not.

And on September 10 the group is set to holding Rock the Incinerator, a day-long festival to raise money in the event the group needs to stage a St James wide poll.

Councillor Gareth Eales (Dallington and Spencer) who is helping organise the event, said: “Things have gone quiet recently and to date no planning application for the incinerator has been made.

“I am confident that myself and the community are winning the argument and that the developers and the councils know there is legitimate and significant opposition to this proposition. However, there is no room for complacency.

“So there needs to be a fighting fund for potential future leaflet production, a community referendum and perhaps even legal proceedings, we cannot rule anything out.”

The mini-festival is set to take place at the Thomas A Beckett pub in St James Road, from 3pm on Saturday, September 10.

There will be live music in the beer garden, weather permitting, as well as a barbecue and a raffle.

The bands already confirmed to play include Repro Jam Squad, The Whatevers, Mark Wright & Friends and The Infinite... with more expected to be announced.

Chairman of St James Residents Association (SJRA), Graham Croucher, said: “SJRA are delighted to support Rock The Incinerator.

“It is a wonderful opportunity after all the good work that has gone into the campaign so far, for the community to come together, have a good time and help raise much needed funds.”