RAMSBOTTOM could become a model recycling community.

Following the rejection of a controversial application to turn a disused Ramsbottom quarry into a landfill site, local people are now being urged to pledge their commitment to recycling and reducing their waste to become an example for other towns to follow.

Ms Sue Gregory, chairman of protest group Ramsbottom Against Landfill (RALF) which was set up to fight the plans for Fletcher Bank Quarry in Shuttleworth, said: "Members of RALF are taking a couple of weeks off, then we will be meeting again to discuss how we take forward our commitment to promoting recycling in Ramsbottom."

RALF has fought for the past three and half years to have the application for the tip to dispose of household, commercial and industrial waste for the next decade thrown out on the grounds of health, environment and traffic implications. The plans were thrown out by planning bosses who voted unanimously to reject them after ten-hours of deliberation.

Members have vowed to continue their fight if the applicants, Biffa Waste Ltd, appeal the council's decision. The company is still "considering its options".

The campaign group made their commitment to recycling waste at last Thursday's (March 7) day-long planning meeting.

Tony Ingham, leading campaigner for RALF, told planning officers: "We want to make a commitment to work with you to reach recycling targets. Let us work with you to find a solution to the hole left by quarrying which is more worthwhile than fighting the plans."

Mr Ingham said following the decision, RALF and the people of Ramsbottom are now working towards recycling waste with the aim of making the town a model community for others to use as an example.

"We cannot just say no to landfill and leave it at that. We said we would take responsibility for our waste and we will be working with the council to do that," said Mr Ingham.