The tip has fuelled health fears among residents for many years

The study by the North Sheffield NHS Primary Care Trust found no evidence that local residents were at greater risk of contracting cancer or having babies with birth defects.

But it did find that people living close to the Parkwood landfill site reported more bronchitis, chronic lung disease, eye irritation, anxiety and depression than those who live further away.

In recent years, many residents in Shirecliffe, Burngreave and other areas in north Sheffield have expressed concern about the health effects of the nearby tip.

Big increase

The report concluded that further investigations would be needed to determine the site's effects on people's health.

It said: "What we have found is a significant increase in some self-reported symptoms in the population living close to the site, which cannot be ignored.

"The only reasonable conclusion is that further investigations will be necessary and the primary care trust is committed to ensuring that they are undertaken."

The tip, which accepts a wide range of household, industrial and commercial waste, is operated by Viridor Waster management.

Greatest concern

A Viridor spokesman said: "We are pleased that the report confirms that there are no increased incidences of cancers, birth defects, low birth weights and stillbirths.

"The company recognises that these health issues are of greatest concern to residents and hopes the local community will be reassured by these findings."

He acknowledged that the report had identified higher incidences of other symptoms.

But the study also said there were "no firm grounds on which to conclude that the health of the population living in the vicinity of the landfill site is adversely affected by their proximity to the site".