A high critical report into the Nantygwyddon landfill tip questioned the site's suitability on the side of a mountain above Gelli, south Wales.

David Purchon: Phased closure

Protesters from the pressure group Rant have said that Rhondda Cynon Taff council's plans to keep Nantygwyddon open for up to three years are completely unacceptable.

The year-long report had been ordered by the Welsh Assembly.Among its recommendations are calls for an end to the tipping of household waste at the site.

The report's author David Purchon said the tip should be "engineered to a close".

He added that Nantygwyddon was also not suited for disposing of industrial waste and he has urged for more detailed health tests to be carried out.

Residents in the mid Rhondda area have repeatedly raised concerns about the effects of living in the shadow of the tip.

New strategy

Mr Purchon's report highlighted that polluted water from the site has flown over the years into an area covering 20,000 households.

Members of Rant are due to meet with Rhondda Assembly Member Geraint Davies on Monday to reinforce their demands for the tip to be closed immediately.

Campaigners want the tip closed

Meanwhile, Rhondda Cynon Taff councillors are due to discuss a new waste strategy on Monday night, which could see the tip closed within three years.

But residents have warned they will accept nothing less than the tip's closure and they have threatened to hold protests to halt lorries entering the Nantygwyddon site.

Residents have until January to respond to the document, which will be debated by the assembly in the spring.

Amgen Rhondda Ltd, which operates the site, has welcomed the report and has said it will provide further comment to the Welsh Assembly if necessary.

Assembly Members are set to discuss Mr Purchon's report and the future of Nantygwyddon on Wednesday.