PROTESTERS fighting plans to house asylum seekers in Throckmorton will have their voices heard.

The Government made the pledge in a "telling" written Parliamentary answer to west Worcestershire Tory MP Sir Michael Spicer, who had pressed the Deputy Prime Minister's office on whether the decision to build the controversial 750-bed centre would be based on planning issues alone and whether the planning inspector's decision would be final.

Junior Minister Tony McNulty replied, confirming the notice of proposed development had not yet been served.

Once it had and the council objected, Mr Prescott could decide to hold a public inquiry which would be dealt with in the same way as a planning appeal.

"The inspector would weigh all the evidence presented by the parties before reaching his conclusions, including the likely effect of the development on the surrounding area and taking into account the views of the local planning authority and residents," it read.

n Throckmorton faces a further threat as a result of the refusal to grant planning permission for the Kidderminster incinerator, according to mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff.

He feels there will be serious implications for the Throckmorton, Hill and Moor and Wyre Piddle areas if the incinerator is not built.

He claims the Hill and Moor landfill site will have to take even more waste, resulting in an increase in its hours of operation and lorry movements.

"I look to the county council and Severn Waste to solve this problem quickly," he said.

"The county strategy always envisaged a waste site in the north and now it must be delivered."