Norman Baker MP has written to the auditor of East Sussex County Council's accounts, demanding that they launch a formal investigation into the way in which the contract for the incinerator at Newhaven was handled.

Formally objecting to the county council's accounts, Mr Baker said he felt the terms of the Waste Management Contract, may prevent national targets for recycling being met.

He raised concerns that ESCC may not be able to make Veolia export a specific volume of electricity from the plant.

He asked who has control over the selection of materials for recycling and who regulates Veolia's contracts.

He also asked why the council has acquired a lease of 50 years for the incinerator site, when the contract with Veolia runs for only 25 years.

He said: 'I have always been very concerned about the proposals to build an incinerator in Newhaven.

'However, what I find equally concerning is the manner in which the county council has gone about securing the Waste Management Contract with Veolia.

'There appear to be many areas in which, on inspection, it has to be asked whether or not the council has succeeded in obtaining value for public money.

'I have formally written to the auditor of the county council's accounts, and have requested that an investigation take place, in order that the actions of the council with regards to the contract be open to independent scrutiny.

'So far this incinerator has only succeeded in burning money rather than waste.'

A spokesman for ESCC said: 'This contract has been closely scrunitised by a number of parties and we are confident that the auditor will confirm that we have followed all the correct procedures.

'We have secured a contract that is value for money, and what is more, will provide effective waste management, including recycling and composting for the county for many years to come.'