CONTROVERSIAL plans for a compost plant in Longton were thrown out by Lancashire County Council.

The unanimous vote, on September 5, vetoed the massive plant which would compost human, animal and other organic waste, in Thropps Lane, just off the A59.

Councillors decided that for TEG Environmental to build there they would have to present very special circumstances to fit with Longton's rural and green belt character.

Mike Cox, Financial Director of TEG, in Sandy Lane, said: "We are yet to say whether we will appeal or move the plans somewhere else. We have many options.

"I have actually had farmers ringing me asking if we would put it in their field but many have not considered issues like access for our wagons."

He added: "People must realise that we have to put these plants somewhere -- the Government waste plan "Waste Strategy 2000" states that recycling or composting waste should be at the top of the hierarchy for all waste methods."

South Ribble MP, David Borrow, said: "I am very pleased about this as I am 100 per cent behind the Longton residents who are horrified by the idea."

Anne Caunce, chairman of the protest group Villagers Against Pollution, said: "We have worked really hard for this so we are delighted -- power to the people."

"I accept that the concept of a compost plant is a good idea -- but we have proved with our experts that it wasn't entirely safe and wrong for a green belt area."

She added: "I would like to thank everyone who came out to support us."