THE row over Nightingale Hall Farm is set to reach fever pitch this week as campaigners unite to get rid of the stink. As the Citizen went to press, city folk were rallying together at a public meeting to collate hundreds of signatures and discuss how to block plans to build five more incinerators. On the eve of the meeting, we spoke to one pub landlord who is bedevilled by the nauseating aroma which is constantly wafting through his home and business. Robert Turner, landlord of the White Lion on Bulk Road, says the smell seeps into his living quarters through the sewers and lingers for most of the day. He claims that his nine-year-old son has been made so ill by the smell that he can't go to school and that his livelihood is under threat. Mr Turner has vowed to quit if no action is taken.

But the owner of the controversial Fats and Protein Company, Edmund Metcalfe, has told Mr Turner the smell is not linked to his plant. Mr Turner said: "This week I've had the environmental health people out every day and they're very sympathetic but I can't understand why North West Water is allowing Mr Metcalfe to pump his effluent through the sewers. Mr Metcalfe says it's not him and our sewers need replacing."

To help ease the problem, North West Water and council environmental health officers are locked in talks to repair the sewer for Bulk Road which they agree is defective in places.

But inspite of this pledge Mr Turner was horrified to learn of plans to build five more incinerators.

"It's shocking planning to build yet more incinerators, something needs to be done about it and soon. I've been losing business because of the smell especially during the summer," Mr Turner added. If the planning application is successful then Lancaster will become the first place in the country to house incinerators specifically designed to burn carcasses of animals following the Government's massive BSE cull. Campaigners have already welcomed a decision by the County Council to defer any discussion of the plans until the full effects of the proposal are investigated.

Cllr Ian Barker said: "I have seen the application and quite frankly you would expect more details from someone who wanted to put up a kitchen extension. There is no information at all about the impact of the incinerators on the environment and local people."

Speaking before the launch of the campaign last night, Cllr Hilton Dawson said: "It is essential this campaign is broad-based, uniting people from all political backgrounds ensuring we deliver a resounding 'No' to this scandalous proposal."

Mr Metcalfe has declined to comment.

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