MORE than £6,000 has poured into the fighting fund of anti-incinerator campaigners since their cash appeal was launched just before Christmas.

Jubilant Stop Kidderminster Incinerator protesters are now less than £2,000 short of the total needed to employ expert Alan Watson for the planning inquiry which starts on February 19.

SKI spokeswoman Clare Cassidy said: "It was not a very good time to launch an appeal for money and we have been absolutely astounded by the response. There have been some significant individual contributions but the vast majority has come from donations of £10, £20 and £50 by members of the public."

She added: "We feel the only way the concerns of ordinary people will be voiced is if we are able to make the case properly."

The Environment Agency granted a permit for the burner at the site off Stourport Road, Kidderminster, to allow the incineration of about 150,000 tonnes of waste a year.

Worcestershire County Council's planning committee refused planning permission last April but applicants Severn Waste Services appealed.