THE Longman tip is due to close by 31 March 2003, but a long-term strategy to deal with domestic and industrial waste disposal could take as long as six years.

So, in what is one of the biggest issues currently facing them, Highland councillors decided last month to seek additional funds from the Scottish Executive to help them meet the costs. No-one wants a new landfill site in their vicinity, but to provide an energy-from-waste plant would cost almost twice as much at an estimated £254 million.

New guidelines from Europe and the UK mean that the running costs of a landfill site will rise from £2.3m a year to over £8m. Meanwhile a detailed report is being drawn up for councillors to decide in the autumn.