AN action group opposing a planning application to build a recycling centre near Wor-cester has accused Worcester-shire County Council of taking an irresponsible attitude towards the community and the environment.

The group, formed to fight Mercia Waste Management's plans to build a plant in Woodbury Lane, Norton, said the fact that the council felt the need to impose 50 conditions, to be laid down before planning permission is granted, shows it was irresponsible in thinking the application was ready to come to be considered by its planning committee in the first place.

Chairman of the J7 Action Group Ken Munn said: It shows the council adopted an irresponsible attitude to-wards the environment and community.

"The council should sit down with and work co-operatively with members of communities, instead of creating conflict and dissatisfaction, and work towards better community-based solutions to waste management, instead of trying to impose irresponsible, expensive and unsatisfactory waste facilities."

Mr Munn also accused the council of not carrying out a proper consultation exercise.

Last week, the Worcester News revealed that the conditions were imposed after residents, the police and other groups raised concerns about issues which included noise, the volume of traffic and the proposed operating hours of the plant.

The conditions imposed include making highway improvements - such as altering the access and amending existing weight restrictions on certain roads - including systems to control noise and dust, and restricting operating hours of the plant.

Our report also revealed that the council decided to postpone discussing the application - which was due to be discussed last week - until its planning committee meets on Tuesday, January 30, as not all the necessary consultation responses had been received.

Councillor Bob Bullock, chairman of the council's planning and regulatory committee, considered all points and commented: "As far as the committee is concerned they will deal with the application based on all the evidence that has been given.

It is for the committee to decide the matter when they meet.''