RESIDENTS launched 3,000 balloons at the weekend in protest at plans to dump poisonous waste at a tip near their homes.

They fear the proposals for Houghton Quarry, Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, could pollute water supplies locally and in County Durham.

Biffa Waste Services already tips household waste there, but is seeking permission to dump up to 200,000 tonnes of "special waste" containing potential carcinogens, corrosive and toxic substances, over 25 years.

The company's environmental study says there would be no extra pollution, and that safety measures including a plastic lining have been installed which would protect the local environment.

But protest group Rats - Residents Against Toxic Site - argues the study is "flawed" and has produced its own report which claims that waste could leak into the water system through geological faults and old workings, and that the protective lining is "fundamentally flawed".

The protestors' report says: "The effects on the health, from the pollution of the air, the aquifers and consequently the water supply, of local people, and those in Sunderland south and parts of County Durham, are totally dismissed.

"There are a substantial number of studies, all published in reputable medical journals such as The Lancet, which cast grave doubts on the safety of living near toxic landfills."

Group chairman Colin Wakefield said: "We are not scare-mongers, just ordinary people who care for our community, our environment and our children and grandchildren.

"We decided to see just what the risks would be if Biffa were allowed to go ahead and dump poisonous waste in the middle of our town. We didn't find out anything that was reassuring."

The environmental study was ordered by Sunderland City Council following protests by the group. The council is due to consider Biffa's plans this week.

A spokeswoman said: "It will go to the planning and highways committee on Tuesday, but that is only for a progress report.

"December 12 has been pencilled in as a likely date for a decision."

The final decision on whether the scheme goes ahead rests with the Environment Agency.