RESIDENTS in Huncoat opposing a planned waste treatment facility on the former power station site claim they are still not having their questions answered.

It followed a meeting of Huncoat Area Council last night where they demanded to know what effect the proposed facility would have on the village.

The meeting was attended by county councillor Doreen Pollitt, deputy leader of Lancashire County Council, which is proposing the facility.

Resident Louise Burton said: "None of the residents' questions were answered and they didn't seem to be able to tell us anything more than what we have already been told.

"There were lots of discussions about traffic issues but they did not alleviate any of the residents' fears.

"If they feel this development will benefit the whole of Hyndburn they will sell Huncoat down the river."

The proposed facility will use new biological treatments to break down rubbish which has not been seen as biodegradable in the past and is seen as the way to bring dumping rubbish into landfill sites to an end.

A planning application for the plant - which the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) claim will be the size of two rugby pitches, and more than twice the height of an average house - is expected to be submitted in January.

The County Council is to hold further meetings on December 1 and 3 to exhibit the plans to residents.

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope said last month he would be opposing the plans.

He has met with residents who have started a Hyndburn branch of the CPRE to fight the proposals.

They are concerned about the increase in traffic, noise, pollution and further increased development the plan may bring with it.

Huncoat councillor Brendan Shiel, added: "I would like to thank councillor Pollitt for coming because she was going into the lion's den really.

"The discussions were a bit vague but that is because the planning permission has not gone in yet.

"I have nailed my colours to the mast and I am sad that Huncoat is in line for such a development.

"All the Huncoat residents are saying is that we have already got one rubbish dump at Whinney Hill and we don't think we deserve another one."