Presented by Jamie Lewis, Robert Evans and Nick Hacking.
In this talk, we assess case study evidence with reference to the growing literature on civil loss and repair. In early 2021, we began working on a ‘community science’ project to help local residents independently measure air quality in Barry. There is a long history of concern about air quality in the town ever since a biomass incinerator was sited there. The plant is likely to switch on later in 2022. We have assisted in the co-creation of air quality data via DIY micro-electronic kits known as ‘Arduino’ as well as a single professional unit. We have interviewed the group about their expertise and the asymmetric nature – in terms of power relations – of their 15-year battle with the developer, the local planning authority and Natural Resources Wales. Many of the activities of these community activists suggest there is a local need for civil repair. This is especially the case in terms of the typically tokenistic levels of public engagement offered to the community by the developer and the regulatory authorities. The community has so far attempted to bridge this deficit through the formation of various civic action groups. Currently, and whatever happens with the biomass plant, their plans include expanding the public’s involvement via local secondary schools in order to interest a younger generation in monitoring local environmental concerns.