A CAMPAIGN to fight an animal incinerator plan for Hapton is gaining momentum after councillors agreed to write to county bosses outlining their objections.

Enviro Skips Ltd announced earlier this year that it planned to install an incinerator for abattoir waste -- including body parts, guts, offal and blood -- on the site of the former Hapton Valley Colliery.

The firm, which already has a domestic, commercial and industrial waste transfer station at the colliery site, has applied for permission to add an animal waste incinerator .

The incinerator would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week with deliveries 12 hours a day.

But the proposal has met huge opposition from local residents and councillors who are worried about effects on the environment and the sensitivity of siting the plant next to a cemetery and crematorium.

Now members of Burnley Borough Council's environmental forum have written to the county council, which will decide on the application..

Other issues of concern are the use of heavy lorries 24 hours a day and possible changes or expansion to the site in the future.

Hapton ward Labour councillor Andy Tatchell said around 300 signatures had been collected on a petition.

He added: "People are extremely worried about its potential effects on the environment. People with children are worried about the environment and transport implications and potential loss of house prices.

He said there was particular concern from people in Valley Gardens -- the nearest residential area to the site.

Health and safety experts are also said to be concerned about potential emissions of poisonous gases like nitrogen dioxide.

County councillor Marcus Johnstone has also given the campaign his full backing along with Hapton parish councillors.

County planning councillors are planning a site visit on October 21 followed by a meeting with both sides which will be followed by a final decision in early November.

Nobody from Enviro Skips Ltd was available for comment.