A COUNCILLOR is trying to get a group together to buy the site of a controversial waste collection centre in Mirfield.

Clr Martyn Bolt said he had contacted owners Elliotts Estates to ask for a price.

His move comes after hundreds of people protested against the plans for the site in Station Road, Lower Hopton.

Planning approval for the waste transfer station was granted by Kirklees Council, despite the opposition.

Clr Bolt said he was appealing for business people to put money into buying the land.

"It has approval for industrial use and won't come cheap, so I'm under no illusions about the price.

"What I'm doing is asking people to put their hand in their pocket to save the land."

Work on building the waste transfer station has yet to be started.

Agents have recently applied for a change in the restriction which bans them importing or sorting material which rots, smells or is hazardous.

Clr Bolt said an alternative use for the land could be as a car park for commuters using Mirfield railway station.

Elliotts Estates have contacted him to say it is considering his request for a price.