RESIDENTS who claim they have to keep their windows closed because of the smells from a Rawtenstall tip look likely to have to suffer into the new millennium.

The owners of the Horncliffe Quarry site near Bury Road, Rawtenstall, today looked set to be given permission to continue landfilling until 2002 by Lancashire County Council. Residents have complained about smells, swarms of flies, heavy traffic going to the quarry, dust, dirt and depressed house prices.

They have campaigned against the quarry since planning permission was first approved in 1978

Rossendale Council has backed the complaints of residents by formally objecting to the application.

The new application proposes extending to 2002 the time when non inert waste, which rots away, could be imported to the site.

A report to today's county council development control sub committee admitted that a time extension would prolong the nuisance.

But planners expected "significant improvements" from the placing of a synthetic cap over the waste, to control gas rising from the ground.

Planning experts have recommended granting the time extension but have attached a series of conditions to reduce problems.

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