LABOUR politicians in Bolton West have stepped up their campaign against the controversial Red Moss supertip plans - in direct opposition to their party's ruling group on Bolton Council.

Bolton West Constituency Labour Party workers renewed their commitment to fight the tip proposals at a special campaign meeting.

The latest move highlights the stark divisions within Labour in Bolton over the issue.

Bolton West CLP has vowed to fight until the tip plans are "buried for good".

Labour's prospective parliamentary candidate Ruth Kelly, said: "Together with our local branches, councillors and local election candidates I have been exerting great pressure on Bolton Council to dump the supertip proposals.

"The justifiable outcry from the people of Horwich and the evidence gathered by Horwich Council and the Red Moss Action Committee must be heeded. The decision of the meeting is another nail in the coffin and I and the Labour Party in Bolton West will not rest until the proposals are dead and buried."

Bolton West Labour Party is lined up in opposition to the tip with current Bolton West Conservative MP Tom Sackville, Horwich Town Council, environmental groups and local residents.

The new Environment Agency has also lodged a formal objection.

If it goes ahead, the tip - run by Red Rose - will serve all Greater Manchester and earn £2 million a year for Bolton Council.

Council leader Bob Howarth said: "The constituency party are entitled to their views. We are a democracy in Labour.

"The Labour group on Bolton Council will be discussing Red Moss again during the next month. But currently I am bound by previous decisions. The situation is very fluid at the moment and I think nothing can be taken for granted."

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