Middlewich residents are to stage two peaceful protests against Cheshire East Council's 'neglect' of their town, claiming it is fast becoming the 'dumping ground' in the borough.

About 70 people packed into the public meeting at the Turnpike on Warmingham Lane last night to 'fight for Middlewich' and discuss how best to hold the council to account.

At one time they even toyed with the idea of withholding their council tax.

Laura Turner, who organised the meeting, told the gathered residents: "I want to see improvement not only for all you guys here but for my little boy as well, and your grandkids."

The meeting kicked off with a discussion about the landfill planned for land near the Salt Cellar pub.

Middlewich residents are furious because they say Cheshire East didn't object to the application submitted by Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) at the time.

Laura told the meeting there was no justification for 'building a landfill now next to our biggest hotel, our only petrol station and one of our biggest housing estates'.

When one resident asked: "Why have we ended up with the recycling [Ansa depot] and landfill?" another replied: "Because we're the dumping ground."

This was greeted with shouts of 'yes, we are' from others.

Next on the agenda was the Ansa site.

The meeting heard that one resident, Nick Cheetham, is already compiling evidence against Ansa regarding the impact on local people and their health for a legal action.

Laura said: "Anyone in this room that is suffering from any Ansa consequences – flies, smells, the traffic, the waste, the polluted roads, Nick is our guy."

The meeting also heard from resident Graham Orme, who worked in environmental health for a number of years, that he was compiling evidence relating to the town's poor air quality and how Cheshire East was monitoring it.

The debate became heated when the topic turned to Middlewich Cemetery gates, which have been broken for years.

Middlewich councillor Mike Hunter, who came under fire several times from some residents throughout the meeting, explained Cheshire East was not responsible for the cemetery.

Another resident agreed and asked how Cheshire East could hold anyone to account regarding the cemetery when there was a legal dispute over it between the town council and the cemetery board.

But residents decided this matter too would be taken to Cheshire East, as the higher authority.

Residents are also unhappy the town has no swimming pool, despite fighting for one for years.

Laura told the meeting: "Of 11 local towns, nine have got public pools, so that's Congleton, Sandbach, all our Cheshire East towns. Holmes Chapel has got a private one at Cranage Hall, and Middlewich – we've got nothing. How on earth is that fair?"

There were cheers and applause when she asked: "Is a swimming pool something we're going to fight for?"

The residents were also angry with the number of houses being built in the town and the lack of facilities provided to support them.

They talked about the pressure on schools, doctors and dentists, even local shops, and were particularly angry that Middlewich has seen none of the S106 money from the new developments on Warmingham Lane to provide additional services.

Section 106 money is a contribution a developer makes towards local services such as education or the NHS.

They were infuriated when Cllr Hunter explained that, although the new residents might use Middlewich services, the development was technically in Moston, so the money had bypassed Middlewich.

Other concerns raised included the poorly maintained roads, the axing of some roads from the winter gritting routes and the fact Cheshire East is looking at charging for all car parks in Middlewich.

At the end of the meeting it was decided that, not one but two, peaceful protests would be held to show the council that Middlewich has had enough and deserves far better.

One protest will be held at the Bull Ring and the other outside a Cheshire East office.

The dates have yet to be decided.

A petition is also being organised to present to the council.