Fiona Hall, MEP, backs Billingham Liberal Democrat anti-dumping campaign.

6.00.00pm GMT Sat 3rd Feb 2007

Fiona Hall MEP with councillors and campaigners on the Belasis Bridge

Local Lib Dem MEP Fiona Hall met Billingham residents this Friday and promised her support over concerns that the re-opening of the town's anhydrite mines this summer could lead to toxic and nuclear dumping.

Fiona said: "Billingham residents are rightfully concerned about NPL opening up the old anhydrite mines. "No-one can be sure what might eventually be dumped in the mines once they have been opened up.

The Energy spokesperson is writing a letter to Environment Secretary David Milliband asking for clarification of the situation .

She said:"People living nearby have huge concerns about what is being planned for the mines. They deserve a full and transparent answer from the Government."

Billingham North Liberal Democrat Councillor Colin Leckonby said "Along with my Liberal Democrat colleagues Lynne Apedaile and Hilary Aggio I am very disappointed that this is being considered. Billingham people will get nothing out of it except worry, noise and pollution from extra traffic. There is no guarantee that if NPL are given this permission the government won't then extend it to nuclear waste."

Hilary Aggio, local resident and Liberal Democrat campaigner said, "Over a period of time, the waste which is dumped down there could affect people living above it. It's happened in other places and we don't want it here."