The weekly Nuneaton Tribune obtained a secret report which revealed that asbestos, cyanide and mercury would be dealt with at the proposed facility in the town.

But the report was not made public until after the Warwickshire County Council planners had met and made a decision to approve the plant.

The tribune's hastily-launched campaign against the plans has already won the backing of 750 readers as well as two local MPs, Mike O'Brien and Bill Olner.

Tribune editor Simon Holden said: "It just beggars belief that the committee did not postpone its decision until it had all the facts in front of them.

"We also take issue with the limited amount of public consultation that took place before the meeting.

"Initially the council publicised it as a recycling plant. It was forced to change this to a contaminated waste recycling plant.

"The whole thing leaves a sour taste in the mouth and it is no wonder so many people are backing us. It is the largest single campaign the paper has ever run - and we have only been running it for five minutes."

Added Simon: "Because the decision has already been made, the only course of action available to us is to force a judicial review at the high court which is something we are looking into.

"It is a sign that local newspapers are still alive and well and helping to serve their community."

The waste that will be trucked-in to Nuneaton includes materials contaminated with dangerous substances from mining and processing minerals, agrochemical waste, chemical processing, construction, and the manufacture of paint, glue, plastic, leather, textiles and inks.

Nuneaton county councillors had asked for a deferral but this was overturned by councillors from the south of the county.

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