VILLAGERS have written more than 200 letters to North Yorkshire County Council objecting to plans for a waste centre.

People have voiced a number of concerns about proposals by Yorwaste Ltd to develop an integrated waste management centre at the Scorton Landfill Site, next to Brompton-on-Swale.

Yorwaste wants to use the land close to a Persimmon housing estate on a temporary basis until a new waste transfer site at the old Tancred quarry in Scorton is ready in October 2005.

Stephen Mannocks, who is leading the protest, handed the letters to county councillor Karl Les.

Mr Mannocks said: "We have fantastic support from everyone in the village, the whole community is fighting against this."

Coun Les is handing over the letters to the council's planning and regulatory functions committee meeting today.

He said: "I am in full support of these residents who don't want to see the waste site operating so close to their homes. It is a totally inappropriate location."

Yorwaste Ltd wants to build a waste transfer station at the active landfill site so that industrial, household and commercial waste can be sorted and recycled.

As well as the 200 letters, the council has already received 52 letters from residents about a number of issues including litter, noise, odour, dust and vermin, the potential impact on ground and surface waters, health risks, visual impact and traffic congestion.

Brompton Parish Council and Scorton Parish Council said the location of the centre was inappropriate due to the proximity to housing.

County councillors are expected to agree to a site visit.