Jobs hope at county abattoir

One of north Shropshire's key employers wants to double the size of its site in a move which would protect about 700 jobs, it emerged today.

Anglo Beef Processors, at Hordley, near Ellesmere, has applied to Shropshire Council for permission to bulldoze its abattoir and replace it.

The firm is one of Europe's largest beef processors and employs about 700 people in Ellesmere.

In its design and access statement to the council, ABP said it wanted to demolish the ageing buildings and replace them with more modern and energy-efficient structures.

It said: "In order to meet the ever-increasing standards required by governing bodies, standards agencies and customers it has become necessary to review where the animal lairage and abattoir standards at the Ellesmere site.

"Both elements are in danger of being considered sub-standard and hence the real need for the proposed development. The redevelopment is vital for the long-term future of operations on the site."

The statement adds: "The loss of the ABP Ellesmere site would have a significant negative impact on local employment."

Under the plans animal welfare standards and staff facilities would also be improved while jobs would be safeguarded. The work would take about 20 weeks.

The abattoir currently occupies 1,875 square metres, but the planned changes would more than double the floorspace to 4,525 square metres.

ABP says it does not expect the redevelopment to create extra traffic movements, while noise and odour levels would be reduced because new equipment would be fitted.

A consultation period runs until June 15.