After the Appeal Court ruling which went in favour of the Minister of State and Whitemoss Landfill, local residents are taking the case to the Supreme Court - and facing a £16,800 legal bill.

Local campaigners want to take the case there as they believe this judgement will have national implications for future infrastructure projects.

Yesterday, local MP Rosie Cooper reiterated her support for those campaigning against another 20 years of hazardous waste being dumped here in West Lancashire, commenting: “I share the concerns of my constituents about the dumping of hazardous waste on the Whitemoss site and have always supported the campaign against this and do not intend to stop now.

“The decision has been called ‘clear and unequivocal’ – I totally disagree. Large sections of the Appeal Court judgement appear to be in residents’ favour; it was ambiguous in parts, at best!

“The stakes are simply too high for future generations of Skelmersdale residents and the decision should be based on what is right, not just money talking. I have no doubt the final decision will set a national precedent and it is now my belief that this should be settled in the Supreme Court once and for all.

“The local community have already given so much of their time and money, but if legal aid isn’t granted the residents will need to raise £16,800, and nearly £11,000 even if it is!

“Residents have my full support in their continuing legal challenge to the unnecessary dumping of more hazardous waste in West Lancashire.”