Protesters left fuming over waste

County members decided at a full council meeting in Lewes, to follow cabinet recommendations for the 10-year Waste Local Plan in light of a recent government inspector's report.

It means Ashdown Brickworks may be the location for a major waste disposal site, while Pebsham could see a new rubbish transfer plant.

The decision followed comments made to Meridian Television by East Sussex County Council leader, Peter Jones, where he said: "Gases that come out of landfills are hugely worse than anything that would come off a modern incinerator."

The admission has caused widespread concern among Turkey Road residents and the campaign group 'Bexhill Against Landfill / Incineration' (BALI), who have labelled the council's decision "a nightmare."

Residents of Pebsham fared better at the controversial meeting with the agreement that a small waste transfer and recycling plant would be suitable in the area.

There had been fears of composting, anaerobic digestion, mechanical / biological and thermal treatments as per the inspector's report, but these suggestions were rejected by the council.

The waste plan will go to public consultation in February.

Chairman of BALI, John Harvey, said: "There are a few items which need to be pointed out to the population of Bexhill and the surrounding villages.

"ESCC have stated that up to 10,000 tonnes of waste can be transported to Ashdown every year without any improvement in the existing road system.

"At present they will not even confirm that an access road would be built from the A269 Ninfield Road, to the northern part of the site thereby at least avoiding roads such as Turkey Road and Pear Tree Lane.

"Nor are they entirely clear as to the types of waste planned for the new site.

"One part of the report they did not vote in favour of is an increase in the present target for recycling."

BALI also highlighted what they believe to be a telling statement, made by Cllr Jones, when interviewed about proposals for an incinerator at Newhaven.

"All the evidence is that incinerators are safe; that they do not give off poisonous fumes and substances, whereas landfill does. I mean the gases that come out of landfills are hugely worse than anything that would come off a modern incinerator."

"He has really shot himself in the foot," said Mr Harvey. "In six or seven years time the people of Pebsham may wake up from this bad dream. Our nightmare will just be beginning."

County leaders say any decision on the brickworks being used for landfill would be up to Ashdown as a company

Speaking for the Pebsham area, County Councillor Martin Kenward took some positives from the meeting.

He said: "It is not the best possible outcome, but it could have been a lot worse - only a few months ago we were facing the possibility of an incinerator and all sorts of activities.

"We must now move on and ensure that the Country Park is a success and that when any planning for the facilities is done we have a loud voice that is heard regarding any possible impact on the residents and the Country Park."

Cllr Kenward has received promises from cabinet that Pebsham will not face any mass waste disposal measures - though he still wishes to see them in writing.

He added: "These assurances are not only to reassure residents of Pebsham, but a firm and loud message to the council's officers and any operators that nothing more would be tolerated at Pebsham."

*BALI have organised a public meeting on the Turkey Road proposals for February 4 at Bexhill High School. The meeting will be chaired by Greg Barker MP.