HOUSEHOLD rubbish collected from across the Epping Forest district is having to be taken to South Ockenden now that the LECA landfill site at High Ongar has closed.

The council has looked at establishing a waste transfer station somewhere in the district possibly on North Weald airfield where the rubbish could be stored until large freighter vehicles, each capable of carrying the contents of three dustcarts, take the refuse to South Ockenden.

Land between the golf driving range and gymnastics centre off Merlin Way, North Weald, was earmarked as a possible site, but no final decision has been reached on that or any other potential site in the district.

A council spokesman said: "Refuse disposal remains under review by Essex County Council and neighbouring districts and boroughs. There will almost certainly have to be a transfer station somewhere to serve the needs of west Essex but at the moment we can't say whether it will be in our district or one of our neighbours, let alone give a precise location."

Additional costs are being incurred because of the need for additional vehicles, crews and fuel. The council has already said that dustcarts are not meant to be used for long journeys at speed, and it fears that traffic delays experienced during the 40-mile round trip could affect collection times with vehicles being out of the area for long spells.

Councillor Dorothy Paddon, speaking at the last cabinet meeting, said: "We were looking for a solution to the extra cost of driving out of the district, or are we going to bite the bullet and find a solution to this?"

The council spokesman said: "A waste transfer station would give us an alternative but it should not be assumed that this would necessarily save large amounts of money. There are costs to setting up and operating a transfer station.

"Over time there could be cost benefits but of more importance were the operational long-term efficiencies and reduced environmental impact.

"There are extra costs following the closure of the LECA landfill site from additional vehicles, crews and fuel costs. Epping Forest Council will bear part of the extra cost. Essex County Council as the disposal authority also has responsibilities and budgets accordingly.

"We still however need to agree final costs with our contractor and that will be a matter for negotiation."