CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans for a recycling plant in the Worcestershire village of Norton have warned councillors they will fight the proposal to the bitter end - after parishioners agreed to back them financially.

About 120 Norton parishioners voted unanimously to pay an extra 50p a week on their council tax to raise money so an action group could afford to mount a legal challenge if the application were to be approved.

As previously reported by the Worcester News, Mercia Waste Management has applied to build a recycling centre in Woodbury Lane which could process 105,000 tonnes of material annually from Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

The idea has met fierce opposition from people living nearby who fear it will create traffic congestion and cause pollution and noise nuisance. They also believe the plans could eventually lead to the creation of a much bigger plant and say the proposal will devalue their homes.

The vote, by a show of hands, was taken at the annual meeting of Norton Parish Council after a presentation by j-7 waste action group.

Parishioners heard the group would need to raise £95,000 if the decision were subject to a judicial review and hoped to secure £30,000 from a one-off precept (charge) added to the council tax which would see a Band D property paying an extra £110 a year.

The group's chairman Ken Munn said: "I know it's a total travesty that we must raise this money to fight our own council who are already paid by us to act on our behalf and for our benefit."

Residents were told the group was investigating ways to raise more money through donations and had written to ask the nearby parishes if they would consider a similar precept.

A decision on whether to impose the precept will be taken at a parish council meeting later this month.

Residents also heard they may have more support after Wychavon District Councillor Paul Middleborough, who lives in the parish, said Wychavon could consider a legal bid if the plan was approved.

Speaking after the meeting, Norton resident Alan Yates said: "We are prepared to fight with the action group and do our best to stop it.

"It's such a lovely little village and I wouldn't like to see it spoiled."

The planning application will be considered by Worcestershire County Council on Tuesday, May 15.