CAMPAIGNING residents have won their battle to get Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to step in over controversial dumping plans.

Mr Prescott has called in Minosus' application to dispose of thousands of tonnes of chemical waste down the disused Winsford Salt Mine Shaft Four in Jack Lane, Bostock.

He will decide himself whether or not Minosus will be allowed to proceed with its plan and has called a local inquiry.

Such applications will only be called in if Mr Prescott considers them to raise issues of national rather than local importance.

Residents, particularly members of Residents Against Mine Pollution, RAMP, and MP Stephen O'Brien, have been calling for Mr Prescott to take action since Cheshire County Council agreed to give the scheme the go ahead in May 2000.

They are worried about a vast increase in the number of lorries coming through the area and also the safety and environmental aspects of dumping chemicals underground.

Peggy Kent, chairman of action group Residents Against Mine Pollution, said: "We are really pleased, this is definitely a step in the right direction, but it is going to be a lot of hard work from now on."

Stephen O'Brien said: "I am meeting with RAMP and other concerned constituents shortly to ensure that we press our campaign to fight for the necessary openess which a full public inquiry will allow."

Tony Hooton, Winsford town councillor and county councillor, said: "I am pleased that the minister has called this in for an inquiry, we have said all the way through this is an extremely important issue that should have a bigger hearing in the local community."

Roger Shaw, Minosus managing director, said: "From the very outset we have maintained regular lines of communication with the local community and with other interested parties and have answered all the questions that have been put to us.

"We look forward to continuing this dialogue throughout the inquiry."

Anyone who is concerned about this application is invited to a meeting next Thursday at Moulton Village Hall, Main Street, starting at 7.30pm, Stephen O'Brien and RAMP members will be present.