An MP has visited a controversial landfill site which accepts radioactive waste from the University of Sussex.

In May, The Argus revealed neighbours of Beddingham Landfill in East Sussex, were appalled they were not consulted over a decision to dump radioactive waste near their homes.

Lewes District councillor Andrew Small, chairman of Glynde and Beddingham Parish Council, said neither the council nor homeowners were asked about the move.

Lewes MP Norman Baker was invited to the site by the Environment Agency and operators Viridor.

The agency's area manager Peter Midgley said: "I am pleased Mr Baker accepted my invitation to visit Beddingham to see for himself how the agency monitors the operations of the site.

"This is a major landfill and exceptional care is taken to check air and water quality around the site to protect the environment and local residents."

He said a single illuminated Exit sign was about 1,000 times more radioactive than an entire year's disposals under the university's authorisation.

Tuesday June 24, 2003