NEWNHAM residents are trying to block proposals for an extension of an animal carcass unit at Orchard Farm, Ruddle.

Paul Yarworth runs a business collecting fallen stock from local farms. He takes them to Staffordshire for testing and incineration.

Mr Yarworth has been providing the service for nearly 20 years and farmers say it provides invaluable cost savings.

Now he wants to add an extension to one of his sheds, which will allow lorries to back inside for more controlled loading of carcasses.

But smells and noise from the site are causing Mr Yarworth's neighbours to complain.

Residents voiced their concerns at a recent parish council meeting, alleging that disposal of the carcasses and animal parts was often careless and unhygienic.

A report from the council said: "Put very baldly and bluntly there is in this parish considerable and growing ill-feeling regarding this never-ending saga, where every effort to ensure control seems always to favour everyone but the majority.

"The only support for Mr Yarworth is from his fellow farmers and associated trades, therefore we seriously suggest that one of these may have buildings better suited to Mr Yarworth's needs.

"The council has no wish to destroy his business, but it cannot be allowed to affect private householders' enjoyment of their homes and gardens."

Mr Yarworth said: "It feels like I've been persecuted for the last three or four years for the job I do. Anybody can come to my site, any time they want to and I can show them what we do.

"A lot of the people who are complaining have no need for the service and I don't know that they understand the regulations farmer have to abide by."

He says he is regulated by Defra and regular inspections have not uncovered any problems.

Two lorry loads of waste leave the site each week and he says no carcass is left on site for more than a few days.

"We are trying to create a better service for the farmers and a better working environment for the people who work here. If the carcasses are not too decomposed it makes a better working environment, so naturally we want them moved on as quickly as possible."

Mr Yarworth has a contract with the Forestry Commission to pick up carcasses dumped in the Forest and also with the Forest council.

Gloucestershire County Council will be reassessing the application this Thursday.