Fears have been raised that a landfill gas-to-energy project on the outskirts of Wrexham could deter certain companies from setting up in the county.

Councillors have received an application by MWH Associates to use the Hafod Quarry in Johnstown as landfill with a waste gas-to-energy generator.

I'm very concerned that we could become the dioxin capital of north Wales Janet Williams CPRW

Environmental campaigners are concerned that the facility would produce dioxins - an unwanted by-product of some heating processes.

Janet Williams from the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW) said the site would keep certain firms away.

"I think Wrexham has enough sources of pollution at the moment, and I'm concerned that another landfill site would prevent cleaner technology from coming here.

"I'm very worried about the level of dioxin in the atmosphere at the moment and in our food.

"Dioxin is incredibly toxic, it's produced as a by-product when substances containing chlorine are burned.

Wrexham council have received the application

"I'm very concerned that we could become the dioxin capital of north Wales," she said.

A spokeswoman for Wrexham council said the application has been put out for consultation.

MWH Associates already has planning permission to use the site as landfill.

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

Incinerator

Scientists are working to establish their exact toxicity, but 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 landfill site in Newbridge and the Gardden Road landfill site in Ruabon.

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

Last year local 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.