A PROTEST group set up to combat industrial pollution on Teesside is stepping up its opposition to a toxic waste incinerator.

Impact, which was set up at a meeting in Eston last week, wants to highlight the problems of living next-door to Cleveland's expanding chemicals industry.

It is now pressing Stockton Borough Council to block plans by Cory Environmental to build a toxic waste incinerator on Seal Sands.

The application is to renew permission that was granted by Stockton planning committee in 1992 and 1997.

Impact chairman John Brunton, from Eston, said: "The most pressing concern is the threat to the whole of Teesside from Cory's plans to burn 30,000 tonnes of hazardous waste each year for the next 25 years.

"That can only add to health risks and the bad image that we already suffer. No council should sanction that.

"In the long run Impact wants to build up skills and resources that local communities can use to challenge the industrial giants. We will welcome new members who share those aims."

Anyone interested can call Carole Zagrovic on (01642) 459171.