http://www.brest.maville.com/actu/actudet_-Hartlepool-se-resigne-a-l-arrivee-de-l-ex-Clemenceau-_loc-810884_actu.HtmTranslation
Hartlepool resigned to the arrival of the ex-Clemenceau
The former French aircraft carrier will be dismantled near the English town. Despite the promised jobs, not the enthusiasm.
"In the morning, there is a nagging smell, it smells like garbage," sighs Maxine. Finger, she means the dark hills a few hundred yards from the flag of coquet Seaton Carew, on the outskirts of Hartlepool. This is the site for asbestos in industrial Able UK. His yard dismantling of old ships is not far away, on the River Tees.
Hartlepool is an industrial city with no particular charm of 86 000 inhabitants, planted in the north-east of England. Here, the arrival of the Clemenceau and its 700 tonnes of asbestos materials n'enthousiasme little world. "We are worried for our children," says Alan, leaning at the table of a pub, his voice rough.
Job Creation
Yet Able UK has promised things will be done within the rules. The aircraft carrier will be dismantled in dry dock, asbestos treatment under legal procedures. Remains a concern. In 2007, the company had to pay 22 000 pounds (? 24 500) fine for asbestos flout safety rules.
From past to the Mayor of Hartlepool, Stuart Drummond: "As long as health authorities have given their backing, we support the project. It will create jobs. "Able UK promises to employ an additional sixty workers to dismantle the Clemenceau. And more if the contracts are increasing.
The company currently employs "between 250 and 500 employees," according to its CEO, Peter Stephenson. She specializes in the recycling of oil platforms, industrial buildings and ships.
With only 4.5% of job seekers, Hartlepool remains relatively unaffected by unemployment that affects the region of Yorkshire. But she fears the arrival of the crisis and the slowdown in industrial activity. The jobs promised by Able UK are welcome.
Handful of opponents
Today, only a handful of opponents, the "Friends of Hartlepool" leads a legal battle against Able UK. "The Clemenceau was born in Brest, he should die in Brest," says John Kennedy, wife of head of the association.
The Friends of Hartlepool "provide 5 having collected 000 signatures against the arrival of Clem. Different story in the office of mayor: "I have received no letter against the coming of the ship," said Stuart Drummond.
For many, the case of the Clemenceau just confirms what they already knew. "We're the garbage of the world, says Alan. Dismantle the Clemenceau here, why not? But then it should return the asbestos waste to France. "
Karine LE LO