As long as I can breathe, I will fight toxic ships plan
Aug 23 2006
By Liam Murphy Daily Post Staff
THE leader of Wirral Council said he will fight "as long as there is breath in my body" against bringing toxic ships to be dismantled on the Mersey.
Cllr Steve Foulkes's comments follow the formation of a group which includes local businessmen and trade unionists who aim to attract the controversial, but potentially lucrative, industry to Wirral.
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A recent government report had identified the Mersey as a possible location for dismantling aged ships which is estimated to be worth around £3.5bn.
With 30 Navy ships due to be scrapped in addition to nearly 400 EU-flagged single-hulled tankers and the possibility of including defunct oil rigs as part of the deal, the local group claim it could be a significant industry which capitalises on the area's maritime expertise.
The Wirral Forum for Environmentally Safe Shipbreaking is aiming to persuade the Government to set up the recycling base for ageing ships heading for the scrap-heap in Wirral.
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