OFFICIALS behind plans for a controversial, giant rubbish processing plant in Basildon say they will reduce traffic by organising a bus service for staff.

Zoe Lenkiewicz, spokeswoman for Balfour Beatty and Urbaser, the firms behind the scheme, tried to allay concerns about increased traffic generated by staff cars and rubbish delivery lorries.

Councillors from all the major parties and thousands of residents have opposed plans for the mechanical biological treatment plant in Courtauld Road, Basildon.

It would employ up to 300 people during construction and 85 when operational.

Mrs Lenkiewicz said she hoped most workers would live locally and get the bus to work, if one could be arranged with a company like First.

Lorries would also not transport rubbish to and from the plant during weekday morning and evening rush hours. Most lorry trips would be between 10am and 2pm.

She spoke as images were released showing what the plant might look like.

She said: “We have listened to residents’ concerns from the last round of consultation on traffic movements. We would like a new bus service to transport our staff and also benefit the wider community.

“We have done additional checks on peak times for local traffic, with a view to not sending out our vehicles then.”

Residents also fear bad smells from rubbish. But project director Tom Meackock said smells would be kept to a minimum because all waste would be stored indoors.

Lorries transporting rubbish would enter the plant – planned to treat up to 417,000 tonnes of waste per year – through doors which would close behind them, before dropping the waste into huge trenches. Recyclable materials would be separated from the rubbish, before going through a six-week composting process.

Chris Nice, spokesman for First bus company, said: “We would be happy to discuss the transport possibilities”

Public exhibitions about the plans will be held at Felmore Primary School, Davenants, Basildon, today from 4pm until 7pm, and tomorrow from 2pm until 6pm. There will also be an exhibition at Basildon’s Eastgate Centre from 10am until 4pm on Sunday.