CAPRI RESIDENTS PROTEST OVER POLLUTING POWER PLANT

CAPRI RESIDENTS PROTEST OVER POLLUTING POWER PLANT

(ANSA) - Capri, October 30 - Some 700 residents of Capri tied up road and pedestrian traffic on the idyllic island to protest against a main power plant which they claim has been polluting the tourist resort for years.

The protestors had been authorised to stage a demonstration in the port town of Marina Grande, where the plant is located, but instead they headed up to the main town of Capri and attempted to enter a hotel which is hosting the annual meeting of the industrial employers association Confindustria.

Police kept the demonstrators away, taking three into custody, and the confrontation blocked the surrounding pedestrian walkways.

Negotiations were said to be under way to allow a delegation of protestors to speak to the Confindustria meeting.

Capri's main power plant still runs on diesel fuel which residents say creates a health hazard and produces greasy fumes and a bad odor.

The protestors also claim the plant violates national pollution norms and authorities have been ignoring the situation for years.