ABATTOIRS in East Lancashire today revealed they have joined a nationwide campaign against bills charged for compulsory meat inspections.

Wiswell Moor Meat, of Whalley, and butcher James Law, of Bacup, are both refusing to pay the bills, which add up to £38,000, because they claim they are unlawful.

Yesterday both firms were issued with writs by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food.

It is believed several other abattoirs in East Lancashire are also refusing to pay.

Ian Heywood, managing director of Wiswell Moor Meat, said: "Under the new hygiene regulations every abattoir has to have a vet to inspect the animal both before and after it is slaughtered and a full time meat inspector to check that the meat is up to standard. "We totally agree with these regulations but we don't think individual abattoirs should have to foot the bill for a service that is in the public interest. The government introduced the regulations so they should pay.

"We are taking our case to the high court and eventually to the European Court of Justice."

Solicitor Paul Marsh, who is representing the firms, said: "With the added strain of the BSE crisis I doubt many smaller outlets will be able to survive."

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