RESIDENTS who have been fighting plans for a waste recycling plant were celebrating after they were withdrawn.

Biffa Waste Services, which wanted to build on the Stephenson Industrial Estate, Washington, pulled out after being told landowners English Partnerships no longer intended selling it site.

Residents from nearby Usworth, Sulgrave and Concord were opposed to the plans on the grounds that it would lead to increased traffic, noise and unpleasant smells.

Biffa spokesman Barry Walton said English Partnerships had decided against selling the site to Biffa for "commercial reasons".

He said: "We have been looking for alternative sites for some time because of complaints of residents. We want to find somewhere which is more suitable and acceptable in the long term."

Simon Fisher of the Usworth Hall Residents' Association, said: "It really does now look as if it is over for residents.

"We no longer have to live with the worries and concerns we had about it being built on our doorstep."