Abattoir plan to be discussed

Controversial plans to double the size of an abattoir near homes in north Shropshire will be discussed by worried residents at a public meeting tonight.

Anglo Beef Processors, based at Hordley, near Ellesmere, has applied to Shropshire Council for permission to bulldoze its abattoir and replace it with a modern complex twice the size.

The firm, one of Europe's largest beef processors, says the move will safeguard its 700 jobs.

But Derek Jones, chairman of Hordley Parish Council, said the application had led to a lot of concern and the meeting had been called for people to have their say on the proposals.

He said: "Our fears as residents is the impact the traffic will have on our already rotten roads.

"They are saying it's not going to make any difference to the amount of people they employ, or the amount of movements of lorries, it's just modernising, but I'm not buying that."

Mr Jones said he did not believe the company would spend a huge amount of money on modernising and "not expect extra outcome."

But ABP bosses claim knocking down ageing buildings and replacing them with more modern and energy-efficient structures is vital for the long-term future of operations on the site.

They say the development should not create more traffic and will reduce noise and odour levels.

Anne Howls, the parish council clerk, said all planning applications came before the parish council for consideration with the body getting 21 days to submit its thoughts.

She said: "The Hordley abattoir planning application is outside the 21 days from when our next meeting is held so we have to then call a meeting."