PEOPLE living opposite a Padiham company where half a tonne of fibres spilled into a river are planning a private prosecution against the firm.

Bales of material plunged into Green Brook, a tributary of River Calder, when a warehouse at the rear of Equestrian Surfaces, Station Road, collapsed on Tuesday.

But as the company worked with the Environment Agency to clear the mess yesterday, residents revealed the incident was just the latest in a number over the last four years.

Householders in Waterside Mews, on the opposite bank to Equestrian Surfaces, are now planning to take out a private prosecution in a bid to force the company to move.

Company bosses said they shared the residents' concerns and were actively searching for an alternative site.

Retired council worker Gerald Thompson, who lives in Waterside Mews, said residents were now seeking legal advice on how to pursue a case.

He said: "This incident was the latest in a long line - and we have had enough.

"The problem is that every time we raise an issue with the company they tell us they are looking for alternative premises.

"None of the people here object to their legitimate business, but you cannot have an industrial unit like this next to a residential area.

"We are not interested in personal gain - it's not about compensation - we simply want Equestrian Surfaces to leave."

Equestrian Surfaces, which employs 15 staff, last year apologised to residents following concerns about levels of dust and fibrous emissions.

Philip Bond, commercial manager, said: "We share the concerns of the residents and are actively searching for new premises.

"The residents are legally entitled to look at a private prosecution.

"However, we are a serious company and we do not want to cause any anxiety."

The black film on the water caused by Tuesday's spillage had been mostly cleared by the Environment Agency yesterday.

An agency spokesman said it was too early to confirm if the company would be prosecuted for this latest incident.