MORE than 20 local business have already won contracts, together worth more than �2million, to supply goods and services to a new energy-from-waste facility being built in Suffolk.

Work on the project, at Great Blakenham, just outside Ipswich, began in January with the development, being built for SITA UK, due for completion by December 2014.

SITA UK says the scheme is already helping to boost the local economy, with contracts awarded to Suffolk companies so far covering a range of services, from demolition and asbestos removal to catering and tree preservation.

Cliff Matthews, SITA UK’s regional manager said: “The main contractor on site at the moment is LAGAN Construction, who are responsible for the majority of the build.

“But throughout the three-year build period there will be a succession of other contractors needed and wherever possible local companies are being used. Five of those to win contracts so far are from Great Blakenham, so the site really is providing work for very local people.”

SITA UK says that experience in other areas also indicates an ongoing benefit to the local economy of around �1m once the facility is operational. The site will take household and some business waste from across Suffolk and convert it into enough electricity for 30,000 homes.

Lisa Chambers, cabinet member for the environment and property services with Suffolk County Council, said: “Our aim was to find a cheaper, greener solution to disposing of the household waste left after recycling.

“In energy-from-waste we have done just that and over the 25-year life of our contract with SITA UK, switching to energy from waste will be at least �350million cheaper than continuing to landfill, and it will also have significant environmental benefits.

“The added bonus is that at the same time we are helping to provide work for local companies, both during the construction and the on-going running of the site.”