Ludgershall residents are so annoyed about a proposal to site a waste transfer station at Castledown Business Park that a public action group is being formed to fight the idea.

The plan, by Hills Waste, would see the facility sited next door to the newly-opened £32 million Wellington Academy building.

Coach firm operator Ray Parnham told Ludgershall Town Council: “We are completely opposed to this and we are adamant we are going to fight it.

“That academy is the best thing that has ever happened to this village and it is going to attract people here. “But what do we get next door? Rubbish recycling.”

Many councillors feel Wiltshire Council has already failed the academy by refusing to reduce the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph outside the campus – even though some children need to cross the road to get to their homes at Perham Down.

Ludgershall council chairman, Owen White, said the proper place for such a busy waste transfer facility is out in the countryside not next to a new academy.

“They need this closer to where the waste is coming from – can’t they find a farmer who will be able to give up two acres?” he said.

Wiltshire councillor Chris Williams said the public interest in this matter meant a special meeting of the area board would take place at the Memorial Hall on June 6 at which all parties would be able to air their views in front of the cabinet member for waste, Cllr Toby Sturgis.