CAMPAIGNERS are still waiting to see whether a waste firm will finally drop plans to build a £40m waste incinerator in Kidderminster.

Planning inspector Ken Smith has dismissed an appeal by Severn Waste Services to site the energy-from-waste burner at the former British Sugar site at Stourport Road.

The firm has no further right of appeal but could challenge the decision in the courts if it finds fault with the way the six-week planning inquiry was handled.

A spokesman said the firm was still studying Mr Smith's report and was in talks with Worcestershire County Council, with which it has a 25-year contract.

Headache

Any action would need to be taken within the next month - but would create a headache for the county council.

Leader Dr George Lord said at a meeting that the contract, signed four years ago, had put the authority in "a very difficult position" as it has had to act as both waste disposal and planning authority.

"The council has acted completely honourably in supporting the decision of the planning and regulatory committee through the lengthy and expensive public inquiry, despite its conflicting wider interest in the success of the waste contract," he said.

The refusal brought "serious implications" and the council would be obliged to back any appeal to the High Court.

Liberal district and county councillor Fran Oborski believes the "obstructive attitude" of Severn Waste Services had delayed the introduction of kerbside recycling.

One of the main players in Stop Kidderminster Incinerator pressure group was "absolutely delighted" by the appeal dismissal when she heard almost a week late, having been on holiday in Greece.

"I can't say I thought it was a guaranteed result," added Claire Cassidy, "but I always thought we had a good chance. "I'm now hoping this is the end of a very long campaign."