IAM writing to express the anger felt by the residents of Cliviger at the Government's decision to dispose of "at risk animal carcasses" at Deerplay landfill site.

This decision has been taken without any public explanation and no representation from DEFRA at the recent public meeting held in the village hall.

The most notable feature of DEFRA's communication to Peter Pike MP was the quote: "It is unfortunate that it became public knowledge."

The site is felt to be totally unsuitable because of its location on the top of a hill with possible contamination of the water supply -- some residents nearby have no mains water, so rely on spring water for their supply. Any contamination could be spread by this means to other parts of Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Local farmers and the public have, throughout the emergency, taken precautions to maintain the area as 'clean.' What are the risks from vermin and birds?

If the animals are not infected, why are they being dumped rather than being used as food? Would the use of the site create any smells or other nuisance to the community? The farming community have very real fears about their survival.

The use of the landfill site would bring no discernible benefit to the area. Perhaps the owners of the site may benefit, but certainly not the local people.

Are Burnley Council, Lancashire County Council and our representatives at Westminster going to stand by and let this happen?

SHEILA MORGAN, Clerk, Cliviger Parish Council.