RESIDENTS living less than a third of a mile from the mooted incinerator are "delighted" at the inspector's decision.

Forest Gate Residents Group addressed the closing stages of the hearing at Kidderminster Town Hall in March.

Its members lined up with the planning arm of the county council, the district council, SKI, Friends of the Earth and Sport England as the opposition to the plan.

During the inquiry resident Melvyn Thompson outlined his "suspicions" over the relationship between Severn Waste Services and the county council as a waste disposal authority and suggested the burner would be used to take waste from other parts of the Midlands.

Following the inquiry result Mr Thompson said to uphold the appeal would have been "a travesty of justice".

"Our faith in the democratic process is restored," he added.

"We are pleased for all those who worked so hard in opposition, including Worcestershire County Council, SKI, Friends of the Earth and our own district council who can now continue to plan a good future for the British Sugar site.

"But we are especially pleased for the townsfolk of Kidderminster and Wyre Forest who supported the campaign over the years and fought so hard to defeat this monstrous proposal."

Rick Pannell, of Wyre Forest Friends of the Earth, said the refusal was a "momentous decision" for the district.

He added: "It has reinforced all of the arguments that have been made exposing this proposal as a serious and unacceptable threat to the health and well-being of the whole community."