Opponents fear the site would damage the environment

Supporters of Hull and Holderness Opposing the Incinerator (HOTI) marched from Hedon to the proposed site at Saltend, a few miles east of the city.

Waste Recycling Group (WRG) wants to build the incinerator to handle rubbish from both Hull and the East Riding.

The campaigners have been backed by local Tory MP Graham Stuart who said he would fight the plans "all the way".

Planning applications for the site have been submitted by Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council as part of their joint policy on dealing with household waste.

Power source

If planning permission is granted, the plant could be operating in 2009 and would reduce the amount of rubbish going into landfill sites by an estimated 250,000 tonnes a year.

Heat from the plant would be used to generate electricity.

WRG said Saltend had been chosen after it had looked at 100 other potential sites.

Mr Stuart, who represents Beverley and Holderness, said: "An overwhelming number of residents have already approached me to express their concerns about the impact that this giant waste-burning facility will have on our communities.

"Doing nothing is not an option, we need to show the city and county councillors who are to vote on this proposal that local people are against the plans."