Protest plan over Ellesmere abattoir expansion plan

Campaigners behind controversial plans to double the size of an abattoir in north Shropshire have vowed to hold a protest outside Shropshire Council's headquarters.

Anglo Beef Processors, at Hordley, near Ellesmere, has applied for permission to bulldoze its abattoir and replace it with a modern, more energy-efficient complex.

But local people are up in arms over the proposals as they say they are already blighted by traffic problems caused by the plant. They have also raised fears about an increase in noise and air pollution.

Members of Hordley and Bagley Parish Council, who were among those who formally objected to plans, have now revealed they may hold a demonstration outside the Shirehall on the day the scheme is decided by committee.

Councillor Derek Jones, chairman of the parish council, said: "If it comes down to it I think we would have to be willing to demonstrate against the scheme outside Shirehall.

"A lot of local people feel very strongly about the proposals and I am sure would be willing to do as much as they can.

"We wouldn't demonstrate if we didn't think we can make a difference."

ABP bosses insist the scheme will not lead to more traffic, noise or odour levels and have been in consultation with the planning authority.

Shropshire Council confirmed no date has yet been set for planning committee to consider the application and say there will be a further three-week consultation following a request of more information from the company. After the proposals went to public consultation Shropshire Council received about 100 letters of objection.