SENIOR figures across the district and key players in the fight against the incinerator have expressed their delight at the verdict.

Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor was reminded of events a year ago when he was elected to Parliament on the back of a protest against the downgrading of Kidderminster Hospital.

He said: "This is another fillip for people power.

"I am absolutely overjoyed. Congratulations to SKI and all the people who have campaigned so long and hard.

"Tribute should be paid to Worcestershire County Council for playing it fair. They were in an awkward position and could have played it difficult but they have been absolutely straight.

"This now gives the opportunity for everyone to study ways of recycling."

Wyre Forest District Council leader Liz Davies, of Health Concern, was thrilled "common sense has prevailed". She hailed the decision as a victory for "unified action" from people regardless of politics.

She added: "The inspector's comments on the public perception of risk shows you don't have to be in danger to feel in danger. There was a very, very strong feeling that this incinerator would cause health problems.

"But on the negative side, how much has this cost the taxpayer? And the county council not having an alternative plan means all the district councils are going to be so far behind in meeting their targets on recycling and other things."

Mrs Davies said leisure facilities and a technology park were her preferences for the future of the Stourport Road site.

Wyre Forest Conservatives highlighted it is their party's policy to ban new incinerators.

Chairman Mark Simpson, as a prospective parliamentary candidate, brought then-shadow environment spokesman Damian Green to the British Sugar site in June 2000 to speak to residents, while the party also gathered an 18,000-signature petition against the plan.

Tory Euro MP Phillip Bushill-Matthews, who spoke at public meetings organised by SKI, said: "No other EU country would even consider placing a major incinerator in a residential area off a busy road. The proposal should never have been made in the first place."

John Gordon, leader of the Health Concern group on the county council said: "Lots of credit should go to those who have consistently campaigned against this plan, particularly Claire Cassidy and SKI.

"Also credit is due to former Labour councillor Nigel Knowles who chaired the planning committee which originally turned down the plan."

"Extremely pleased" Mr Knowles, also a former county council chairman, said he had visited incinerators elsewhere and none were as close to residential areas.

He is keen for the land to be used to house new firms in line with Kidderminster's proud engineering history.

Liberal Fran Oborski, chairman of the district council's overview and scrutiny committee for environment and development and SKI member, backed him.

She said employers were now more likely to come to Stourport Road, which is "ideally situated and easily accessible".

Mrs Oborski added: "This is absolutely fantastic. The county council must cancel its contract with Severn Waste Services and draw up a new waste management plan."