A LOCAL MP has backed hundreds of families who are fighting plans for a waste recycling plant on their doorstep.
Biffa Waste Services wants to build the plant on the Stephenson Industrial Estate, Washington, but residents from nearby Usworth, Sulgrave and Concord are dead against it.
Fraser Kemp, whose Houghton and Washington East constituency includes the site, has written to council bosses pledging his support to the residents.
He said: "Having taken note of the comments of my constituents and having considered the matter with care, I believe the proposal would have an extremely detrimental effect on the quality of life of those who live in the area."
Sunderland City Council has received 220 letters of objection and 12 protests from local firms have been lodged.
A Biffa spokesman said: "This area is recycling about five per cent of its waste. There are Government regulations saying that, by 2004, we need to recycle ten per cent, and we are trying to do that."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article