Liberal Democrats opposition to ‘greenwash’ project helps them win in Exe Valley

Liberal Democrat candidate, Jamie Kemp, has won the by-election in Exe Valley for the East Devon District Council.

Speaking after the result was declared Jamie said "I'm incredibly grateful for the support I've received from local people.

"There is a huge groundswell of concern about the Clyst St Mary Anaerobic Digester and the impact it will have on the Exe Valley. As Liberal Democrats we've been listening to residents' concerns and campaigning hard to limit the damage the proposed expansion of the Digester could inflict.

"This is a classic example of a 'greenwash' project, masquerading as sustainable and environmentally friendly when it is neither of these things. As Liberal Democrats we are fully committed to creating a sustainable, successful, zero-carbon economy but schemes like this are not what is needed.

"As a Councillor I'll be campaigning hard to limit the impact of the Digester, although with the relaxation of planning constraints being contemplated by the Conservative Government this will be a challenge.

"We certainly don't want an extra 8,000 large lorry and tractor movements in the narrow Exe Valley lanes and small villages that an expansion of the Digester will create."

Jamie won the election after a high-profile campaign from the Conservatives involving their local MPs and Councillors. Asked what had made the difference Jamie said, "I think people liked the fact I'm local and that I called to see them and listened to what their issues and concerns are. I was personally on the doorstep listening rather than shipping in a load of 'activists' who have little interest in the area and listen even less."