THE Echo's campaign to stop a huge waste plant being built in south Essex has been given renewed hope.

Tories, who plan to develop the anaerobic digester in Basildon, have now invited opposition leaders to join a decision-making group to look at the future of waste disposal in the county.

County council leader Lord Hanningfield has instigated the move and will appoint a panel of independent experts.

The "U-turn" follows fierce criticism of recent proposals to allow small-scale incineration in Essex and months of campaigning against the plan for the Courtauld Road site.

Essex Labour group leader Paul Kirkman, one of the loudest voices in the Echo's Don't Dump on Basildon campaign, has agreed to join the group.

Keith Bobbin, Labour county councillor for Pitsea, said: "We have forced this U-turn.

"This is a blatant admission they have got the waste strategy wrong and need our support and even independent experts to sort out the mess.

"Paul will use his influence to try and stop plans for Courtauld Road which no one in Basildon wants."

Mr Kirkman added: "I welcome Lord Hanning- field's acceptance the Tories have not got the answers.

"I am willing to sit on this group on the proviso it is not just a talking shop and he actually takes on board Labour suggestions."

The offer was made at full council after Labour brought a motion to drop a bid for £90million Government funding for a waste plan, which in- cludes an option for small-scale incineration.

Lord Hannigfield said: "The future of waste in Essex is now one of the most pressing issues we face.

"People are not interested in petty party politics.

"That is why I am inviting the leaders of the main opposition to join with me to work together on something that we all here in Essex have a responsibility for."

Peter Martin, cabinet member for environment, said: "We have been working in close partnership with district and borough councils on dealing with waste.

"It seems only natural we reflect this joined-up working, and remove the party political barriers and work together to find the right solution."

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