Disused defence land in Shoebury is being looked at as a possible site for a controversial waste incinerator plant.

Officials are to carry out a feasibility study of land at New Ranges - due to be sold off soon.

The Shoebury land is one of several sites across borough to be examined for their suitability to house a "waste management site" including an incinerator.

Even as they agreed to the study, councillors warned people in Shoebury would bitterly oppose any such plans.

The fresh review comes after Essex County Council asked the borough to rethink its strategy on waste disposal.

Last year, planners decided there was nowhere in the borough suitable to house incinerators or recycling facilities.

Shoebury Tory councillor Verina Wilson said her electors would launch a huge campaign if they felt an incinerator was planned near their homes.

She added: "Whether or not this location is advantageous, we need to see a proper report about it."

She feared local roads would not cope with waste lorries.

"If residents can't cope with lorries going onto an industrial estate, they won't like lorries full of waste," she added.

Leigh Lib Dem councillor Peter Wexham voiced concerns about the eight sites identified countywide.

He explained: "The biggest worry from people is incinerators

"County has dropped a real clanger. It has pinpointed eight sites and blighted them all with the possibility of an incinerator."

He added: "I don't want to see an incinerator where everything gets chucked in, but we are responsible for disposing of our waste and we have to find out ways of doing that."

Leigh Lib Dem colleague Al Smulian urged people to think of incinerators as "energy from waste plants".

He added: "The objectors say recycling is the answer, but just look at the market demands.

"Some local authorities have problems getting their waste paper recycled."

Councillors were asked to nominate someone to join a county council delegation to look at to visit an existing incinerator in France. A decision was deferred to give members of the planning and transportation committee a chance to go.

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