HOPES of relocating Nightingale Hall Farm suffered a setback this week when a visiting Government minister said that there would be no cash to pay for the move.

And agriculture minister Jeff Rooker added the Government were looking to site incinerators as close as possible to rendering plants.

The news dismayed residents fighting to end 30 years of foul smells but Lancaster MP Hilton Dawson said it was time to campaign harder than ever.

"One worrying thing that the Minister had to say was that the Government were still looking at getting rid of animal waste and that it was efficient to site incinerators next to rendering plants," said the MP.

"He also said there's no chance of Government cash to pay for any relocation as he believed the polluter should pay. I'm a NIMBY as far as the farm is concerned and we should strongly campaign to get it moved."

A recent survey of more than 6,000 households revealed the majority of residents were overwhelmingly against any future farm developments.

The owners plan to build a 500m chimney to reduce emissions but residents felt any form of development would make it more difficult to have the plant relocated.

Environment Chief, Jerry Sutton, said: "This consultation was important. It is a matter of opinion whether or not it is better to have developments on the site that might help reduce odour and nuisance. Those most affected were able to express their opinion and the result is conclusive. The majority want no further development."

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