Health expert appointed by Gloucestershire council

An expert has been appointed to advise Gloucestershire County Council on the effects of waste facilities on health.

Professor Roy Harrison will advise officers and councillors about the impacts of air pollution on human health and the environment.

The authority is currently evaluating proposals for dealing with the county's rubbish, including incineration.

It says it has allocated a budget of up to £10,000 over the next year to fund the advisory post.

Prof Harrison is professor of environmental health at the University of Birmingham, deputy chairman of the Expert Panel on Air Quality Standards, and a member of the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants, which advises the Department of Health.

A spokesman said the council was trying to find more environmentally friendly, cheaper ways of dealing with rubbish.

At present, 43% of the county's waste is recycled and the rest goes to landfill.

But landfill tax is set to increase by £8 per tonne per year in 2011. The current tax is £48 per tonne.

The spokesman said the authority was expecting a £7.7m bill this financial year.

It is considering proposals from four waste companies and technologies include a mechanical biological treatment system and incineration.

The spokesman added: "Given Professor Harrison's expertise the county council believes this represents very good value for money."