Our clean air is not for sale, says MP

Around 75 residents met outside Ibstock Brick works for an emergency meeting to show their determination to see the plan scrapped.

Disgruntled locals from Turkey Road, St Mary's Lane, The Ridings and surrounding areas held placards and Observer clippings which revealed the tip plans.

The possibility of landfill at the site was worsened by fears that incineration would follow.

Stephen Hardy is director of Ibstock and Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Rother District Council. He told the Observer that an incinerator is not part of the plans for the site.

While he was aware Ashdown had been considered as an alternative landfill site to Mountfield, he thought the site had been abandoned after the refusal of a Bexhill bypass, which would alleviate anticipated congestion to the area.

Residents' concerns lay primarily in pollution, both from the tip, an incinerator if installed, an increase in traffic and the effect on local wildlife.

Mr Barker aims to hold a public meeting in September, date and place to be confirmed.