D-DAY was looming for hundreds of Warrington residents as the Warrington Midweek went to press.

A four-day public inquiry gets under way today, Tuesday, into plans for a controversial health waste incinerator for the town.

A mass demonstration was planned for this morning as a Government inspector arrived at the Town Hall to listen to evidence from both sides.

Residents living in those areas set to be most affected by the plans, in Orford, Dallam and Whitecross, galvanised into action and made their presence known by holding placards calling for the proposals to be dropped.

They fear that if the development near the old gas works on Winwick Road goes ahead, waste such as syringes or dirty medical equipment will not be securely kept and could be dangerous - a claim refuted by the applicant.

The inquiry into the proposed incinerator has come up against stiff opposition from residents and councillors who fear that the plant would be unsuitable for a residential area.

Two packed public meetings were held at venues in Bewsey and Orford last week to mobilise residents and explain the procedure of the public inquiry.

The peaceful demonstrations outside The Halliwell Jones Stadium, the venue of the inquiry, are set to continue all week in a bid to show the strength of feeling against the plans.

Once it has come to a close, the inspector will consider all evidence before revealing his decision.

Hundreds of residents packed The Halliwell Jones Stadium last year when councillors turned down the original application.

Warrington Borough Council is opposed to the plans.

It has strongly argued that the site is unsuitable for waste management and councillors have called Warrington the dumping ground of Europe'.