A COMPANY believes the 'stomach wrenching' smells from a neighbouring animal waste works could contaminate the medicines it makes.

The claim was made by Whalley Banks-based Cupal during an appeal by Blackburn Products into strict conditions imposed by the local council.

Blackburn Products, which has a long history of complaints against it, called for a hearing into the tight controls ordered by Blackburn With Darwen Council

Jan Draper, a personnel officer from neighbouring company Cupal spoke at the hearing held in Blackburn Town Hall.

She said: "Depending on the day, the smell outside our factory can be stomach-wrenching.

"In one instance last year the smell got into the building and there was some concern our products could have been tainted."

She added: "The only way to describe it is a rancid smell. It smells like rotting carcasses. Some days it is difficult to catch your breath. "A lot of clients and potential clients who come to the factory are quite understandably put off.

"In the summer there are a lot of flies and the cars parked outside have been covered by them on some occasions."

John Bodnar, a solicitor acting for Blackburn Products, said: "Quite frankly I am amazed by this. If there have been complaints why was the company not contacted so they could do something about the situation.

"In general terms there has been a significant reduction in the number of complaints in recent years."

Blackburn Products no longer renders animal carcasses at the Whalley Banks site, now used as a distribution centre.

Residents in the area have not complained about smells from the plant since the rendering work stopped.

But Blackburn MP and new Home Secretary Jack Straw has backed the council's bid to bring in stricter controls.

In a letter to Christopher Jarvis, the Government appointed inspector, Mr Straw said: "This company's record is appalling.

"Businesses and residents in the area have had to put up with smells and pollution over many years."

Mr Jarvis is expected to publish his findings on the appeal hearing in three to four months.

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