A CAMPAIGN by residents against plans for a waste treatment plant in Blackrod has been backed by Bolton West MP Ruth Kelly.

Orchid Environmental wants to build a facility in Station Road which is capable of processing 75,000 tonnes of rubbish a year.

It would use pioneering technology to separate the rubbish into recyclables and material suitable for bio-fuel conversion.

The plans were rejected by Bolton Council’s planning committee but the company has now launched an appeal.

Ruth Kelly has written to the Planning Inspectorate asking that residents’ views are taken into account.

She said in her letter: “Several of my constituents have expressed concerns regarding this application and, in particular, the additional strain it would place on roads in the area.

“They believe the decision of the planning committee at Bolton Council, based on highways considerations, reflect the seriousness of these concerns.

“The committee based its decision on the proposed increase in the number of HGVs which would visit the site, together with the cumulative effect of other developments in the locality. I would be grateful if you could consider these local concerns.”

Eileen Jackson, chairman of the Blackrod and Horwich Environmental Action Group, said: “It is good news that Ruth Kelly is backing us up.

“We are continuing with our campaign, which is going well, and I know that a lot of people have already written to the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol.”

Orchid Environmental was unavailable for comment.