RESIDENTS are renewing calls for a waste tipping site to shut after a report backed pollution fears.

Members of Residents Against Toxic Site (Rats) have been locked in a battle with Sunderland City Council over the dumping of waste at the former limestone quarry in Houghton-le-Spring.

In August, they won a fight against its use for toxic materials and now a preliminary report by consultant Oxford Geotechnica International (OGI), in Durham, has identified potential problems with the site.

The report, commissioned by Sunderland council, stated: "It is OGI's opinion that there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that there will be no adverse impact on the local groundwater environment. As such, further detailed investigation is recommended."

Colin Wakefield, chairman of Rats, said: "I think people will be delighted that we have been vindicated by this independent report."

The report follows a three-week study of the site, in which OGI looked at geological, rainfall, planning and groundwater level data.

It found that, since planning permission was granted in 1996, groundwater levels had risen significantly, leaving the water table "extremely vulnerable to pollution from the landfill" and that the site is in an area of shifting land.

It suggests that its Environment Agency classification as being suitable for domestic waste is incorrect.

Dr Stephen Thomas, of OGI, stressed that further research would be undertaken before the final report was produced.

Biffa, which uses the site, maintains it is safe for domestic waste