A CROP of red ribbons are springing up around Vista Road as residents fight against a new recycling plant.

The action group MBT-Y-Here? has launched a campaign for people in Newton and Earlestown to show their support for the group, which is opposing plans to build the plant on the current site of the Lyme and Wood landfill site on Vista Road.

Maureen McAvoy, co-ordinator for MBT-Y-Here?, said: "We are asking people to put the red ribbon on their gate. It was something that was very successful polling against a landfill in Billinge. It is making a statement and gets more interest in the campaign."

The group, which is backed by Newton MP Dave Watts, have been actively campaigning against the plans, which are expected to go before St Helens Council's planning committee in April.

The group has been busy unearthing research into the health impact of mechanical biological treatment (MBT) plants and have put forward the findings to St Helens Council.

They state that composting sites should not be built within 250 metres of another workplace or house because of the harm bioaerosols can cause.

But the group say that there are four homes and several businesses within 250 metres of the site and that bioaerosols can cause respiratory and gastro-intestinal symptoms.

The group have written to the director of urban regeneration and housing, Bob Hepworth, because the new recycling plant would be partially built on the country park that was promised under regeneration of the current landfill site when it was approved.

The landfill site will be discontinued in June 2009 but the recycling plant is due to open in October 2009.

Now MBT-Y-Here? are calling for supporters of its campaign to come forward.

Mrs McAvoy added: "What we want to do is start rallying support for the planning meeting."