The site, which is part of an old slate quarry, has been used as a refuse site for 30 years, and receives 60, 000 tonnes of rubbish a year.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Wales | North West Wales | Waste tip faces licence problem

Scarborough Borough Council has accepted an undisclosed offer from Tesco for the former refuse depot site on Dean Road.

BBC: Tesco bid wins Scarborough council land fight

As a result, Mr Montebourg has said he is exploring how to seize the entire Florange site should Mr Mittal refuse his demands.

BBC: French minister threatens to expel Arcelor Mittal