And they have said it is not a case of a 'not in my back yard' attitude in the town.

Middlewich Against Dumping (MAD) is set to fight Clay Services Ltd's application for a landfill site at Kinderton Lodge.

Campaigners were outraged when the north-east based company withdrew its application in February, submitted a fresh application in March and Cheshire County Council announced that any previous objections would not be considered.

The main change in the new application is the proposals for the Cledford Lagoons have been removed.

Mark Dixon, chairman of MAD, said: "From a campaign point of view, we really are starting again as all the objections from the previous application are null and void."

"This is a little unfair as we did not oppose the lagoons development but did oppose the landfill site."

The group will be organising petitions and public meetings to drum up support for their cause and to educate people on the plans and what they can do about them.

Mr Dixon said there are some principal reasons for opposing the application.

He said: "It is a ridiculous proposal, there is no benefit to the town and there are still the same health risks.

"The area which they are proposing is not ideal for landfill. It is right next to the town, there is a prevailing wind that will carry waste and more importantly, the infrastructure of the town is not suitable.

"We already have enough problems with traffic and lorries.

"We will be objecting vehemently."

He added: "There is no 'not in my back yard' going on as if it would benefit the town no-one would be objecting."

Members of MAD have been fighting plans for a waste dump in Middlewich for more than five years.

Mr Dixon said: "It is a horrendous proposal especially when Middlewich has suffered from lack of investment over the years.

"We are starting to get investment now and it will be make or break for the town and I really think if these plans go ahead, the investment will go by the way side."

Cheshire County Council confirmed that the application has been submitted to Vale Royal Borough Council for its comments.

A spokesperson said the council is accepting letters of support or objection and that everyone that objected to the previous application has been contacted for their views.

Anyone living within 400 metres of the site has also been contacted.

The application will be considered by the development regulatory sub-committee in late summer or early autumn.

Anyone wishing to support Middlewich Against Dumping's campaign, to get involved or for more information should contact Mark Dixon on 01606 738662 email mark_dixon99@hotmail.com or visit the Councils Against the Dump website at www.cadonline.org.uk.

jdriscoll@guardiangrp.co.uk