HYNDBURN MP Greg Pope is hopeful that a compromise can be found to stop lorries ruining the lives of residents near East Lancashire's largest landfill tip.

After speaking to a 200-strong public meeting last week about the expansion of Whinney Hill tip, Accrington, Mr Pope visited the site to meet representatives of the operators -- Preston-based SITA -- and Lancashire County Council.

Now the Labour back bencher hopes an agreement can be reached to drop plans to create access to the expanded tip from Henry Street, off Whalley Road.

The county council is due to consider the plans this summer.

He now believes that either direct access from the M65, which runs parallel to the tip, or from the A56 and through Huncoat Power Station can be agreed.

Mr Pope told the public meeting at Accrington Stanley Football Club, organised by REACH (Residents of Enfield, Altham, Clayton and Huncoat), they should write to council chiefs and SITA objecting to the plans to expand the site and use a new entrance in Henry Street.

But Mr Pope, having toured the giant landfill, now believes an acceptable solution can be found. He said that the tip has permission to stay open until 2047 and that it had permission for 820 lorries to use it, as distinct from the current 450.

Mr Pope said: "The current position is unacceptable. The traffic is far too heavy and is ruining local roads.

"I now believe, having spoke to SITA and the county, that either an M65 access or one from the A56 through Huncoat Power Station -- which could open up better access to a nearby industrial estate -- is possible.I am hopeful that we can find a compromise which prevents a current, let alone increased, traffic making life a misery for local people. We have to accept that the tip is here to stay."

Phil Holland, of SITA, who was not at the meeting, said it would be willing to co-operate with any solution offered by the county council. He added that SITA would consider making a contribution, but did not specify how much.

The county council and Hyndburn Borough Council recently set up working groups to work push for the M65 access.