THE on-going saga of Tata and the waste plant it wishes to inflict on the people of Lostock Gralam has been the subject of concern to local, and not so local residents for years now, though the nature of what they wish to construct has undergone changes in capacity.

Possibly this is due to the proliferation of similar plants which means, despite the increase in waste to be disposed of, there is competition among those wanting to undertake the task of disposal.

As we all know, from other aspects of its commercial operations, Tata is very well-attuned to supply and demand, and seemingly it realises that the original plant will simply not be viable, hence the downsizing of the proposed plant.

Whether a new planning application is needed is really neither here nor there, as Tata surely has a moral obligation to keep local residents fully informed as to their plans.

This is particularly important to those purchasing new homes in the area, seemingly unaware of Tata's plans, as proximity to a waste burning plant does little for property prices.

Tata should be open and up front with the public.

Mabel Taylor Knutsford