A CAMPAIGN to close down an abattoir that residents claim is blighting their lives has taken an unexpected turn.

Boosbeck Against Slaughterhouse (BASH) have been fighting with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for several years in an attempt to persuade them to force its owner to close down the abattoir, which operates in the centre of the east Cleveland village.

Last year, the council promised to address the residents' concerns and started negotiations with the owner of Banaras Halal Meats to eradicate the noise and smells that emanated from the slaughterhouse.

However, the local authority has angered the campaigners after a report, to go before cabinet members next week, after council officers have recommended that it invests up to £100,000 of its own money into a potential £500,000 proposal to help the company redevelop the site.

The report offers councillors five options to consider, including the investment scheme; continue to monitor complaints and take enforcement action when required; set aside £4m to buy the site whether through negotiation or compulsory purchase order; serve a discontinuance order to cease operations on the site; or serve a discontinuance notice to restrict operating hours.

Now campaigners are urging residents to object to the proposal by writing to the council or Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland PM Tom Blenkinsop.

Marlene Brown, of BASH, said: "Do you remember (former council leaders) George Dunning, Mary Lanigan and the majority of the Councillors saying a slaughterhouse should not be in the middle of a village?

"Now the Council are recommending giving Banaras £500,000 of public money to extend his business.

"If you think this is unjust please let everybody know what's happening and complain to the Council and our MP Tom Blenkinsop."

Councillor Dale Quigley, the council's cabinet member for economic growth, hopes the issue will be resolved soon.

He said: “We are determined to bring an end to the debate about the future of Boosbeck Abattoir. In the past there has been some uncertainty about the options that were available to the Council to address the issues raised by residents. We are now clear about what we can and can’t do, and we are finally in a position be able to make an informed decision about how to proceed.

“The report has a number of options and recommendations that will be considered at the next Cabinet meeting. Immediately before that meeting there will be an opportunity for community members to put forward their views to the Cabinet."

Legal proceedings have been launched against the abattoir operator, Banaras Halal Meats, by both the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

The council meeting takes place on Tuesday, July 7 before a final decision is made at full council at the end of the month.

No one from Banaras Halal Meats was available for comment.