A public inquiry into whether a council can continue operating a waste site started today in Worthing.
The outcome of the inquiry will put an end to a dispute between West Sussex County Council and residents living near the Halewick Lane site in Sompting.
A Government inspector opened the inquiry at the Ardington Hotel in Steyne Gardens, with county councillors and residents gathering to hear evidence.
The inquiry was ordered by the Government after councillors voted to keep Halewick Lane open beyond its promised closure date.
The councillors claim there is no alternative site and it would cost £11 million to build a new plant.
But many people living nearby want the site to shut.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article