Braintree's MP has vowed to help residents however he can in their battle against the proposed Rivenhall incinerator.

James Cleverly met with constituents Jenny Blades and Melissa Hewitt, both from Stisted, and supporters of campaign group Parish Against Incinerator (Pain).

Among the topics discussed at the meeting were the planning process, the importance of objectors writing to the planning authority and the nature of waste management facilities.

Anna Appleton-Claydon, attended the meeting on behalf of Pain, said: "It was a really positive meeting. He spent over an hour discussing the incinerator and campaign and has said he will do what he can within his power to help.

"He told us has been forwarding on letters from constituents directly to the Secretary of State.

"While he does not involve himself directly in the planning process, he is very happy for constituents to write to him and he will then pass on concerns, but he also urges them to write directly to the clerk of the D&R committee, which will be making the decision on the planning applications.

"He is also happy to chair a meeting in Braintree to hear from other concerned constituents.

"We have asked him to be a bit more visible in the campaign, to show that there is growing momentum and to help reach people who may not be aware of all the issues around the incinerator."

Mr Cleverly said he had already written to the Secretary of State for DEFRA and Essex County Council about the incinerator, but would contact them again about the issued raised by his constituents during the meeting.

Visit www.facebook.com/groups/PAINcinerator.