Toxic emissions could be pumped into the air of South Ruislip if a new incinerator is built.

An online map released last week shows more than 100 planned incinerator sites across the UK.

The Ruislip civic amenity site in Civic Way, South Ruislip, is one that could be selected for the proposed new incinerators, and a report published by its operator, West London Waste Authority (WLWA), in April outlines possile plans to build a new treatment plant, to help divert 25 per cent of residual waste from landfill.

This would enable WLWA to operate within its landfill allowance.

But any early plans for the site are news to Hillingdon Council. Its deputy

"The air does seem a lot cleaner since the low emission zone came in, and this would make it go back to square one. I would fight all I can against it to be honest."

Jean Ingram of Great Central Avenue, South Ruislip, also lives nearby, She is chairwoman of South Ruislip Residents' Association.

She said: "As a residents' association we would not want one in that location. It's right near all the housing around it.

"We would be very worried about all forms of pollutants coming out of an incinerator."

The director of environment and consumer protection, Kathy Sparks, said she was unaware of any immediate plans.

The incinerators are proposed because landfill charges are set to rise under European Union rules, and local authorities are finding it difficult to increase recycling rates enough to reduce the amount of rubbish.

Susan Sweeting, coordinator of Hillingdon Friends of the Earth, said the pressure group was not totally opposed to the burner, but there was a safety factor.

"The technology has got to be really good to prevent toxic emissions and certain things need to be screened out," she said.

Steve Daltrey, 44, lives in Wheatsheaf Close, South Ruislip, just a few hundred metres from the site.

He said: "I don't think it's right to put an incinerator near a residential area.