Dr Dick van Steenis — who specialises in fighting against incinerators — claims people living within 17 miles downwind of the facility earmarked for the former Rufford Colliery site would be at risk from suffering depression and heart attacks.

He made his shock comments to Chad after speaking to around 200 concerned residents at a public meeting held last week by protest group People Against Incineration (PAIN), which is campaigning against Veolia Environmental Services' plans to build a 180,000 tonne-per-year mixed-waste facility.

'Impacts'

"There will be a lot of people affected," he said. "Because the filtration equipment only filters out the bigger particles, they have not captured the smaller ones that get on the lungs. In the UK there has been no proper study done at all on the health impacts."

Dr van Steenis –– who is based in Wales and has successfully fought against incinerators at 26 public inquiries –– said he had carried out research showing there was a rise in baby deaths downwind of incinerators and new facilities were no better than the older ones.

He also claimed incinerators could cause a drop in IQ for children born near them.

Said PAIN spokesman Shlomo Dowen: "Up till now PAIN has underplayed the potential dangers posed to human health. Our research shows that a great deal of expertise is needed to evaluate just how dangerous these incinerators are."

But a Veolia spokesman said there had been extensive research and a report commissioned by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs had found there was no more than a minor effect on health or the environment.

Said Simon Bussell, managing director of Veolia Environmental Services Nottinghamshire: "Veolia are experts in the operation of this technology and we run 88 ERFs across the world.

"We have the knowledge and expertise to ensure that facilities operate to the highest standards with respect for the local community and environment.

"We are always willing to discuss people's concerns and will continue to work closely with the Rainworth community."

Meanwhile, it has emerged that objections to the plans have been sent to Nottinghamshire County Council from across the world from fans of Jonas Armstrong, who plays Robin Hood in the hit BBC TV series.

The fans backed the Sherwood Forest: The Living Legend bid to restore the forest and fear the impact on local habitats of the incinerator.

• PAIN's next public meeting is at The Potters, on Kirklington Road, Rainworth, at 7pm tomorrow.