The report claims only runny noses can be linked to the site

North Sheffield Primary Care Trust said increased cancer-related deaths in that area are because people smoke more. The study, started after local worries, said the only real link between illness and the site was sore noses.

Operators Viridor said the report showed the site was safe and harmless.

An action group declined to comment and no councillors were available.

The report said: "North Sheffield PCT is confident that if there is any illness associated with the site it is dwarfed by illness caused by other health threats."

My husband's asthma has gone haywire. The children have constantly got cold or 'flu-type symptoms and runny noses Resident Shama Latyif

Its findings also show: �Analysis of mortality data showed that although both all-cause mortality and cancer mortality in the area is high, it is no higher than in other deprived areas of the city.

"The increase in cancer mortality in particular is probably explained by the higher prevalence of cigarette smoking in the population living close to the site."

But resident Shamsa Latyif, who has lived on Standish Way, Shirecliffe, next to the site said her family has been continually unwell since they moved in two years ago.

She said: "Before we came here we had no real health problems. My husband, who has asthma, had hardly any trouble."

"[But] my husband's asthma has gone haywire. The children have constantly got cold or 'flu-type symptoms and runny noses," she continued.

'Give comfort'

"I've always had good health, but now I've got a blocked nose and sinus problems as well."

However, the Environment Agency said it was pleased with the report's verdict.

"There is no evidence of the site having an impact on [residents'] health," it said.

"We hope this will give them comfort and confidence that we will maintain our regulation of this site."