PROTESTERS against a controversial animal incinerator have welcomed news that a recycling centre could be built on the land instead.

Residents launched a furious campaign against plans to build an animal incinerator at the former Hapton Valley Colliery site.

Their protest proved to be successful earlier this year when the company behind the scheme, Enviro Skips Ltd, withdrew the application.

There were fears that the company would put in a fresh bid for the incinerator, but news that a recycling operation is planned instead have quelled concerns.

The new proposal would involve a shredding operation to deal with tyres, wood and green waste and a warehouse to store the products.

The plans will be discussed by councillors at a meeting of the development control committee of Burnley Borough Council on Thursday, although a final decision will be made by the county council.

Former local councillor Andy Tatchell has spoken on behalf of the residents of Valley Gardens throughout the campaign.

He said: "The plans have generally been welcomed because at least it means that the animal incinerator will not be built on the site. There are some concerns about drainage and traffic, although these could be addressed by the developer."

Enviro Skips Ltd met with fierce opposition after it submitted plans for the animal waste incinerator to Lancashire County Council nine months ago.

The authority received more than 65 letters of objection, while members of Burnley Borough Council also objected on the grounds that it would put fear into the minds of residents, have the potential to upset mourners at nearby Burnley Crematorium and cemetery, as well as bringing heavy traffic to village streets.

The scheme proposed that animal waste from abattoirs and meat processing plants would be transported to Hapton and blood, offal and animal body parts would be burned 24 hours a day, seven days a week.