A PUBLIC inquiry into the Wiltshire and Swindon waste plan began this week.

The inquiry, overseen by a government inspector, gives people the chance to have a say on how the area's refuse is dealt with.

Wiltshire County Council and Swindon Borough Council have jointly drawn up the plan for dealing with the treatment of waste, but not its collection, until 2011.

Hundreds of people who raised objections to the plans will be able to put their case before the inspector.

Anybody can attend the inquiry but only those who have already arranged to appear can speak.

Household rubbish is currently increasing by five percent a year in Wiltshire and the council is looking for alternatives to landfill sites.

The inspector's report is due in the autumn. The councils will look at his recommendations and make amendments to the plan.

The inquiry began in Devizes on Tuesday and is due to run until the beginning of July.