Protesters formed a vehicle convoy through the city to show how the route will become even more congested if the scheme for the site at Madeley goes ahead.

The proposed unit, planned for an industrial estate, would be capable of treating and recycling all of Herefordshire's household waste.

Campaigners claim it would lead to a huge increase in traffic on surrounding roads.

Traffic chaos

They have already used a fleet of lorries to demonstrate the traffic chaos they say could be caused if the plan goes ahead.

A spokesman for campaign group Waste Watchers said it was hoped the show of opposition would force planning leaders to reject the scheme.

Efforts to develop a waste incinerator in neighbouring Worcestershire failed last year.

But the problem remains of how to deal with the estimated 300,000 tons of rubbish produced in the two counties each year.

The latest plans have been put forward by Estech Europe Limited, based in Aldridge, West Midlands.

The proposals have so far received the backing of council environmental officers and the waste collection contractor Severn Waste.

A planning decision is expected early next year.