ABOUT 140 members of the public have voiced their opposition to plans for a waste transfer station in their area.

Brompton-on-Swale Parish Council called a public meeting after members became aware of proposals for a station at a site off Gatherley Road, near Scorton. Members of Richmondshire District Council and officials from Yorwaste, who want to establish the station, attended.

Yorwaste has approached the district council for permission to set up the centre and the planning committee will meet on Tuesday, November 5 to discuss the matter.

The company plans to use buildings on the site to deposit and collect rubbish on a daily basis.

The public meeting, however, confirmed the general feelings against the proposal. One woman said: "It was a highly charged meeting with most people objecting to the proposed plans."

Companies nearby also opposed the waste transfer station, with traders worried it will damage their business and attempts to attract more firms to the industrial estate.

At the meeting, spokesmen for Yorwaste answered many of the public's questions, including how they proposed to tackle odours and vermin.

Parish council chairman Andrew Guest said: "I would strongly urge Yorwaste and Richmondshire District Council to look for an alternative site in a location that is more remote from the retail and residential areas.

"The attendance at the public meeting reflected the strong feelings against the proposed site for the station."