Incinerator consultation finishes

The Four Ashes plant could generate electricity for about 24,000 homes

A public consultation into plans to build an incinerator has finished.

The plant, near Four Ashes in Staffordshire, could generate enough electricity for about 24,000 homes, the county council has said.

Its "Zero Waste to Landfill" scheme aims to get recycling rates up to 50% with the remaining rubbish burnt to create electricity.

Comments will still be considered until the plans are debated by the council, which is expected to be in November.

The Green Party has claimed the incinerator would release toxic gases into the atmosphere but the council maintains studies showed it would be safe.

Earlier this year, the council said "most residents" would not notice much smoke coming out at any time.