CAMPAIGNERS fighting to relocate Nightingale Hall Farm have called on the public to voice their protests direct to the Government.

Environment minister Michael Meacher is seeking wider consultation over new guidelines to curb the smells generated by rendering plants.

The guidelines could become law if the Government can be convinced that they need to act and local campaigners want as many people as possible to voice their concerns.

The city council has agreed to actively seek the views of local people who have been affected by the "stink" over the last few years.

Under the new guidelines it will be an offence for any smell to pass beyond the factory boundary. If the new regulations are broken then the rendering plant will be liable to prosecution.

Said Green leader, Cllr Jon Barry: "It's important that the council opens up this consultation to the wider public. If we want Mr Meacher's new guidance paper to become law, we must let them know the strength of local opinion."

These sentiments were echoed by local campaigner Sue Paylor who said: "It's great that the Government is finally recognising that there is a very real problem for residents living close to rendering plants. The stringent monitoring and threat of prosecutions could make life very difficult for Nightingale Hall Farm. It's one of the best chances we've got to get the plant re-located and anyone who has been affected by the plant should make sure their views are heard."

Anyone wishing to comment on whether Nightingale Hall Farm should restrict its smells to within its own boundary should write to the Chief Environmental Officer, David Robinson, at the city council.

Or alternatively call Sue Paylor on 65167.

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