Sir – While it is necessary to reduce the waste sent to landfill, the proposal to build an incinerator in Oxfordshire is extremely worrying in view of the concerns raised by medical and scientific experts about the possible health risks.

An independent inquiry, such as a Health Impact Assessment, as mentioned by Jean Fooks in her letter of January 22, is clearly needed.

Public bodies are inclined to assess the acceptable level of safety laid down by the authorities, rather than give the assurance that there is no risk whatever.

If there are any doubts at all, the councillors who voted for the incinerator ought to admit that this is not an infallible solution and should throw all their efforts into finding an acceptable alternative.

Elizabeth Garnett, Oxford