PLANS to build a 30-metre cage for decomposing waste behind a school in Longton, has sparked a wave of concern from people living nearby.

Residents living near the site in Thropp Lane fear the plant -- which will treat sewage and animal dung, abattoir waste, dairy products and beer waste -- will create unpleasant smells and cause heavy traffic in the area.

It's right behind St Oswald's Primary School, in Chapel Lane, and many parents are concerned about how it will affect the children there.

Anne Caunce, of Thropp Lane, said: "Local schools are supporting this, no one wants it in this green belt area -- there will be an awful smell and who knows what will be let off into our atmosphere."

The residents have organised a public meeting at St Andrews Church Hall, in Liverpool Road, on Tuesday July 31 at 7.30pm to discuss their concenrs. However, Mike Cox, Financial Director of Teg Enviromental PLC, the commercial composting company, in Sandy Lane, Leyland, who are building the machine said: "The matter going into the compost is all organic and is well contained within a building and all waste will be delivered in sealed lorries of which only three will travel in and out of the site per day."

He added: "Our plans to build on the site has been assessed by the enviroment agency, and will be a great benefit to the regeneration of that area."

He said their plans have been assessed by the environment agency, and will be a great benefit to the regeneration of that area."