RESIDENTS are calling for the public to back their protest against a proposed chemical dump between Winsford and Northwich.

Residents Against Mine Pollution were delighted last week when John Prescott decided to call in the decision on Minosus' plans to dump chemical waste down a disused part of Winsford Salt Mine in Bostock.

The Deputy Prime Minister will only intervene when he feels the issues raised by an application have more than local importance.

The residents are holding a meeting tomorrow evening so everyone can be put in the picture about what the plans mean to them and how they will be involved in the forthcoming public inquiry.

RAMP chairman Peggy Kent said: "We want as many people coming along as possible, the more people who attend the better.

"We want everyone to know what is going on and what we are going to do about it."

Mrs Kent believes no further official action will be taken until after the summer, but in the meantime RAMP will be making preparations.

The North West Government Office has not yet confirmed a date for the inquiry, this is expected to be announced within the next two to three weeks.

Everyone who has a say in the inquiry will soon be receiving a letter giving them a chance to write a statement, or they may choose to give evidence personally at a hearing chaired by a DETR inspector.

Applicant Minosus feels its disposal methods are the safest and most practical way of dealing with chemical waste.

But residents feel the plan would cause serious traffic problems and would put Bostock on the map as a national dumping ground.

The meeting will be held tomorrow evening, Thursday, at Moulton Village Hall, starting at 7.30pm.