Hundreds of people are expected to attend a public meeting about proposals to build an electricity generator on a landfill site near Wrexham

The existing site at Hafod Quarry in Johnstown was granted planning permission to be used as landfill in the 1990s, but no tipping has ever taken place.

Gases will be used to run turbines to generate electricity - there will be a lot of noise, it will smell and it will attract vermin Councillor Jim Woodrow

Now fresh plans to start using the site, and to construct a waste gas-to-energy generator, have been submitted.

However, local residents and environmental campaigners are concerned that the facility would produce dioxins - an unwanted by-product of some heating processes.

Hundreds are expected at the meeting on Monday which has been organised by local councillors and MP Martyn Jones.

Clwyd South AM Karen Sinclair is also expected to attend.

Johnstown councillor Jim Woodrow said he was resolutely opposed to the scheme.

"There is considerable concern in Johnstown, and the effects of the plant are of major worry," he said.

Wrexham council have put the plans out for consultation

"Gases will be used to run turbines to generate electricity - there will be a lot of noise, it will smell and it will attract vermin," he added.

The facility is being put forward by Liverpool-based firm MWH Associates, who are bidding to buy the site from its current owners Cheshire Waste.

A spokesperson for MWH said the application was made so they could make use of the latest technology to deal with waste.

Wrexham council have put the application out for consultation.

Public health

Scientists are currently working to establish the exact toxicity of dioxins.

It is reported that they could have an adverse effect on people's health and increase the likelihood of cancer.

A draft report from the US Environmental Protection Agency indicated dioxins are considered a serious threat to public health.

Other landfill sites in Wrexham include the Pen-y-Bont site in Newbridge and another at Gardden Road in Ruabon.

Plans for a �25m waste incinerator to be built on the town's outskirts are being discussed by the Welsh Assembly.

Last year councillors refused to support a recommendation to back the application by Portuguese-based firm HLC.

It is now subject to a public inquiry later this year.

The public meeting will take place at 1930GMT at Johnstown Junior School.