http://www.lep.co.uk/news/Waste-plant-phone-rip-off.3368525.jp

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Residents near the proposed site of a huge waste plant have been told to ring a "rip-off" telephone line if they want to report problems.

Manchester-based Global Renewables, the firm behind the 14.6 hectare waste processing plant in Farington Moss, Lancashire, have given the homeowners a helpline number they can ring to get a quick response to any issues or queries they have.

But, instead of a local 01772 number or even an 0161 Manchester number, the inquiry line uses the more expensive 0844 prefix.

The company said it makes no money off the line, but there are now concerns residents could rack up hefty bills if they have problems

with the new plant.

Although not officially classed as premium rate, the 0844 number costs 5p a minute from a standard landline and can cost up to 35p a minute using a mobile phone.

Tim Carter, vice chairman of the Residents Against Waste Site (RAWS) group, said: "I would have thought at this stage it would be sensible to have a freephone number."

The Lancashire Evening Post has already exposed GPs' surgeries, councils and the police for using more expensive phone numbers.

A spokesman for Global Renewables said "We appreciate that there shouldn't be an added charge, even one so small, and we'll review it as soon as possible and publicise the new number when we receive it."
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