PROTESTERS have renewed appeals for the Government to intervene in a row over plans to build a waste plant in their village.

Residents in Huncoat have pledged to keep up opposition against a new waste treatment works at the former Huncoat power station site, despite planning permission being granted for the project more than a month ago.

Protesters are angry not only at plans for the waste plant, but also the fact that an access road will cut through green belt land.

They hope that the planning application will be "called in" to be decided by Secretary of State Ruth Kelly, who would re-examine it from a broader, regional perspective.

Planning permission was originally granted for the proposed plant on May 17, and still no decision has been made by the Government Office North West on whether to "call in" the plans.

Any Government involvement could lead to a public inquiry.

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope has written to Keith Barnes, regional director of the Government Office North West, asking that the decision be called in'.

Mr Pope's letter said: "I believe the implications of this application are far wider then merely local concerns.

"I believe that the application needs to be seen in the wider context of the strategic use of our motorway network including the M65, the development not just of the former power station site, but also the adjacent landfill site, the protection of precious green belt, and possible access and egress arrangements from either the M65 or A56."

Mr Pope said: "There are particular problems because of the existence of Whinney Hill.

"It certainly should not go ahead without a direct access from the M65, which could serve both the new waste centre and Whinney Hill, removing heavy goods traffic from local roads."

Protester Louise Burton said: "Lancashire county councillors have never really listened to the protesters. They have arrogantly stuck to their plan, regardless of the effect on the residents of Huncoat.

"If the plans are called in to a public inquiry, anything can happen and even if the plans are given the go-ahead there may be substantial changes that benefit residents."