Objectors to the Essex Waste Plan who live in the Ongar and North Weald area are being urged to make sure their voice is heard at the major public inquiry into the controversial proposal.

Some 9,919 individuals and organisations have lodged a total of 22,016 objections to the plan which Essex County Council hopes will tackle the urgent problem of vanishing landfill sites in the early years of the new millennium.

But Ongar parish councillor Barbara Szymanek this week warned objectors that they will be barred from speaking at the inquiry unless they fill in a special form by end of the month.

Ms Szymanek said: "People wanting to be heard should make sure that they have received a questionnaire and that they fill it in.

"It's vital that the level of objections to the plan and the proposed changes that have been submitted is maintained and I'm willing to advise objectors who are not sure of what to do."

Inquiry programme officer Maureen Watson, who has an office in County Hall, said that everyone who objected to the original draft plan by January 15 should have received a questionnaire. Copies of subsequent proposed changes to the plan are available at council offices and libraries.

She added: "All original objections still stand and the inspector has had copies of them all. Of course, all members of the public may attend the hearings."

The inquiry, conducted by Andrew Newman, will start at Christ Church United Reformed Church in New London Road, Chelmsford, on October 26. It is expected to last at least six weeks.

Ms Szymanek is available on 01277 362370

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