browseEvery Breath They Take
Keith Pattison (Photographer)
Original Side Gallery exhibition text, 1989:
Hebburn residents have been plagued by pollution from National Smokeless Fuels’ Monkton cokeworks since it started operating more than 50 years ago. Hebburn Residents’ Action Group (HRAG) was formed to pressure council and government watchdogs to act against the works. The group clams pollution from 66 coke ovens is causing serious illness on two local estates.
The exhibition features documentary work by local photographer Keith Pattison. His pictures chronicle the local fight for a healthier life - from the inside of a public enquiry to a protest march round the Monkton site. Research for the Side Gallery reveals that a new power plant - refused planning permission at a public enquiry in December 1987 - is nearing completion on the Monkton site. South Tyneside Council planners have confirmed the work has gone ahead in existing buildings for which planning permission is not needed.
It also reveals that Environment secretary Nicholas Ridley is reviewing the same public inquiry’s decision to block the building of a 55 metre chimney on the site. National Smokeless Fuels challenged the decision on a point of law in the High Court last year and expects it to be overturned. During the showing of the exhibition, HRAG will be lobbying the European Parliament in Strasbourg to put their case for tighter controls of the controversial works.
The exhibition highlights the spirit of ordinary people battling to improve and safeguard their own environment - and charts the let-downs from agencies expected to help them. BBC Radio 4 and Tyne Tees Television have recently broadcast documentaries on their plight.