CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a waste disposal plant on the site of Huncoat Power Station have been slammed by residents.
Lancashire County Council has drawn up a list of 11 possible sites across the county for the mechanical and biological treatment plant.
Deputy leader County Councillor Doreen Pollitt this week quashed rumours it was going to be an incinerator.
She told the Observer: "We are looking at 11 sites for the transfer station. But the county council will not be running an incinerator as they only pollute the atmosphere. This is a facility for sorting the waste. When you place a bag of rubbish at the top it comes out at the bottom all separated and ready for recycling."
But the scheme has sparked fears among local residents.
Ian McCann, who lives in Peter Grime Row, said: "It is ridiculous. How much rubbish do they want to dump in Huncoat? I agree the site needs developing but it should be done another way. We should be keeping our green field sites and not building things like this."
Huncoat ward councillor Dave Parkins said: "We don't want another waste disposal plant in Huncoat. We have to put up with the Whinney Hill tip so we don't need something at the other end of the village as well.
"We will fight these plans and organise a big protest if they go ahead. I suggest the county council looks at the other 10 sites."
However County Councillor Pollitt pledged that a consultation would take place involving all residents.
She added: "We are having a meeting in October with Hyndburn Council. We are still trying to get a link road from the M65 to the tip and this could help our chances. Huncoat Power Station is a mess and if we can do something to incorporate both projects then it could be a positive story."
