YOUR report that Lostock is being considered for a giant waste incineration plant should frighten and anger the thousands of people who live or work in Northwich who will suffer as a direct consequence.

The only redeeming feature is that they still have just enough time to protest and campaign to prevent its construction.

Why, may I ask, is this area always considered by the bureaucrats as the first option when it comes to finding a site to dump (or burn) the rubbish generated by people who may live miles away?

Surely, when you see the polluted lakes, the ugly, neglected factories and the sprawling pipework that scar our town centre, all must agree that we suffer enough.

An incinerator in Lostock would be a disaster for many reasons.

First, there would be the inevitable release of cancer-causing dioxins as admitted by Adrian Lea, the council's planning officer, in your report.

Then there would be the dangers and nuisance created by the hundreds of lorries as they transport loads of often smelly and hazardous waste through the outskirts of the town every week.

They would also have to take away equally dangerous residues and ash. On the financial side, watch out for the reaction of homeowners in the area as property values descend.

Location, location, location as the saying goes!

Let us hope and pray that those few local councillors who have already bravely protested will be joined by many others and by our MPs and MEPs in a united effort to protect the citizens of Northwich and prevent what would be an environmental catastrophe for the town.

LIAM BYRNE

Little Leigh