REDUNDANCY notices have been served to workers at Ramsbottom's only rubbish tip.

Now, campaigners protesting against the closure of the tip, fear their "people power" battle to keep the tip open may have failed - but say their fight to ensure Ramsbottom maintains a similar facility continues.

The local tip on Stubbins Lane was threatened with closure at the beginning of the year as part of cost cutting plans.

Despite a strong campaign, which resulted in a stay of execution for the tip, Waste Disposal Authority bosses are to close the site in May. And last week the two civic amenities attendant were told their posts were to be made redundant.

But, says local Coun Anne Beckett, the fight to ensure Ramsbottom has some sort of waste diposal facility will continue.

"The council has no power over the Waste Authority decision to close the tip, but we will be pressing for a local facility for Ramsbottom.

"I believe strongly that people power does work and will encourage locals to use it in their fight," she said

Waste Authority spokesman, Mr Matt Whitfield, said the reason for the closure was financial and the only option open to local residents was to use the Bury depot.

He added: "However, once the tip is closed, the site will be surplus to the authority's requirement and will be sold if a suitable bid is made for the land."

The future of the two employees remains uncertain.

Said Greater Manchester Waste Limited manager Mr Steve Jenkinson: "Presently it is only the posts at the depot which are being made redundant and not the employees."

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