HOUSEHOLDERS in the North called yesterday for reductions in their council tax after a report revealed that housing near landfill sites is worth thousands of pounds less than comparable homes.

A study by Cambridge Econometrics of landfill sites across Britain showed that the average house within a quarter of a mile of a landfill site loses about £5,500 in value. Other side effects reported were smell, dust, litter, noise, visual impact and the risk of rats.

Residents yesterday called for tax relief to be granted for those living next to waste dumps.

Members of Residents Against Toxic Site (Rats) have been campaigning to close a tipping site at a former limestone quarry in Houghton-le-Spring, near Sunderland.

Sheila Ellis, Rats' secretary, said: "I'm not surprised by the findings. Buying a house is one of the biggest investments you will make and why should people suffer because a landfill site is put next to them?"

The North-East has the highest number of landfill sites in the country, at 186, compared with the next highest, 166 in the Midlands.

Yesterday, Environment Minister Michael Meacher, urged everyone to cut back on waste, and recycle as much as possible.

"The study further highlights one of the pressing problems for modern society - how we get rid of our rubbish," he said.

"What we're saying, basically, is that if all of us carry on doing this, then the penalties imposed on those living close to landfill sites is a significant one. It is not acceptable and we have all got to change."

In Durham, about 25,000 households have benefited from a council-funded fortnightly doorstep recycling service, which has led to a rise in recycling levels from four per cent to 14 per cent.