COUNTY council bosses have been sent a clear message people do not want a massive waste plant in Basildon.

Residents raised fears over the traffic chaos, noise, smells and safety risks they believe proposals for a mechanical biological and recycling plant at Courtauld Road will bring.

About 60 people attended a meeting for Northlands Park residents' association at Briscoe School, Felmores.

The association supports the Echo's Don't Dump on Basildon campaign calling on Essex County Council to find an alternative site because the district has suffered with other people's rubbish for too long.

Deborah West, 42, of Nevendon Road, said: "My house already vibrates from the traffic and we can't go out between 4.30pm and 6.30pm because of the traffic jams.

"Making East Mayne three lanes will be a nightmare.

"It will be like living near a motorway."

Angela Warner, 48, also from Nevendon Road, said: "This is going to devalue our homes. We can't sell already because of the plans going forward.

"The noise pollution and smells from lorries will be horrendous. Our homes are already covered in filth from exhaust fumes."

Association chairman Rob Hill said there had been fires at six similar plants across the country.

He said: "If there was a fire at the proposed plant or at nearby Sainsbury's, because of the congestion the fire brigade would not be able to get to the blaze."

Residents were told how they could make official objections to the planning application currently be-ing considered.

Roy Leavitt, county council head of development control, said he would take their concerns to the committee which is going to have the final say.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN OUR PETITION