Council officials are urging residents to write in with their objections to plans for an incinerator in their port town.

Comments on the local waste plan for East Sussex and Brighton and Hove are being invited before May 14 and Newhaven Town Council is urging a show of resistance from residents, saying an incinerator at North Quay would be disastrous.

Mayor David Fitton said: "Our concerns about health, the regeneration programme, visual appearance and traffic movements have not been listened to.

"An increase in recycling targets is welcomed but where is the money going to come from to implement this?

"There are still a number of other issues in the plan that could have a very detrimental affect on Newhaven.

"It is essential everyone realises they can still make a difference by completing a form of objection."

Officials have also been critical of an independent report, commissioned by the county and city councils, which said a burner would not affect Newhaven's economy.

Councillor Denis Forsdike, chairman of the planning committee, said today: "This report is flawed from start to finish. It states quite clearly that there is not a food processing industry in Newhaven. Where did the consultants get their information?

"One only has to visit the Avis Way Industrial Estate to see that there are two food processing units.

"How can it be claimed that businesses are not concerned about the threat of an incinerator? It simply isn't correct.

"The report gives the impression an incinerator would be a welcome addition for Newhaven and even suggests it would have a beneficial effect.

"If this report is to be used at the public inquiry, the town council will make strong representations about its accuracy."

Comments on the local waste plan should be made on forms that are available from town and district council offices.