LANCASTER'S MP Hilton Dawson has kicked up a stink by backing a suggestion that the notorious Nightingale Hall Farm be relocated... to Heysham!

The local MP says moving the animal rendering plant to an industrial site in Heysham is an idea "well worth exploring."

But his controversial backing has provoked outrage in the coastal resort. Fellow MP Geraldine Smith told the Citizen: "I'm astonished that Hilton has suggested such a thing. I think he's flipped his lid!"

Residents living close to Nightingale Hall Farm have long complained of foul smells coming from the factory and, for more than 20 years, have campaigned to get it moved.

Hilton, who supports the city's residents, said: "There is no doubt that the rendering plant has to move from its current location in Lancaster. While new Government guidelines will ensure that the smell from the works is retained within the site boundary we will still have difficulties with the transport of animal waste through the streets of the city."

He added: "Of course this will be a controversial view and I would not suggest such a move until we have the western bypass but Nightingale Hall Farm is an important local employer and I think that we all have a duty to investigate something which I believe could be in the best interests of people throughout the district."

The controversial shot across the bows has certainly sent shock waves across the district.

Geraldine Smith called the Citizen from Strasbourg to vent her spleen at Hilton's idea.

She said: "If Hilton thinks he can off-load his constituency's problem onto my constituency - he can think again. I'm astonished. I think he's flipped his lid! He hasn't discussed this with me and they'll move Nightingale Hall Farm to Heysham over my dead body! If it's a publicity stunt it's bound to backfire. I look forward to giving a full and considered response to Hilton's idea in next week's Citizen."

Heysham councillors, Debbie Lee and Mort Allan agreed: "We are sick of being a dumping ground in Heysham. No way will we allow this to happen. We'll fight all the way," said Cllr Lee.

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