A CAMPAIGN to fight an animal incinerator in Hapton is gaining momentum.

When local Labour councilllors discovered earlier this month Enviro Skips Ltd planned to install an incinerator for abattoir waste -- including body parts, guts, offal and blood -- they decided to start a campaign registering residents' objections to the plant, which would be on the site of the former Hapton Valley Colliery.

Hapton ward Labour councillor Andy Tatchell said the campaign was going well and around 300 signatures had already been collected.

He added: "People are extremely worried about its potential effects on the environment in the area.

"This is a step too far. People with children are worried about the environment and transport implications and potential loss of house prices. So everyone is responding very well so far."

He said there was particular concern from people living in Valley Gardens -- the nearest residential area to the site.

Health and safety experts are also said to be concerned about the potential emissions of poisonous gases like Nitrogen dioxide.

John Harbour, also a Hapton Labour councillor, is working with Coun Tatchell to drum up support.

He said: "Everyone we speak to is against this. We cannot see why Hapton should have been singled out in this way and are doing everything possible to prevent the incinerator getting the go-ahead.

"We are very grateful to all the people who have supported our campaign and will continue working with the community to ensure that the people who make the final decision know how strongly local people feel."

County councillor Marcus Johnstone has also given the campaign his full backing and Hapton parish councillors are to discuss the issue at their next meeting on May 14.

Enviro Skips Ltd, which already has a domestic, commercial and industrial waste transfer station at Hapton Valley Colliery, has applied for permission to add an animal waste incinerator to its premises.

According to the company's environmental statement the incinerator would operate 24 hours a day and seven days a week with deliveries being carried out 12 hours a day.

Nobody from the company was available for comment.