FEARS about the effects of a rendering plant operating at an Antrobus farm have been raised by the headteacher of a neighbouring school.

Residents in both Antrobus and Comberbach have campaigned against the plant at Senna Green Farm, which cooks up animal waste and offal to make into feed. Now they have been joined by the staff of Comberbach Primary School.

Headteacher Janet Groom sent a letter to parents last week, highlighting the concerns the school has with the plant after she was notified about it by Comberbach Parish Council.

The letter states: "I was appalled to discover the origins of the highly unpleasant and unnatural odours which cross our school grounds on average two or three times a month.

"On one occasion, we actually had to bring the children back into the building at lunch time and close all the windows, the smell was so nauseous."

The school has just received a grant to develop a wildlife area in the grounds, which would include a pond-dipping platform over a stream.

But staff are concerned about the pollution risk posed by the plant, which would mean that pond-dipping in the stream could not go ahead on health and safety grounds.

The letter was sent to parents on Friday, and more than 80 letters of objection were returned to Vale Royal Borough Council on Monday.

A concerned parent, who does not wish to be named, said: "Such a fast turn-around shows the strength of feeling about this."

Owners of the plant had applied for a certificate of lawful development to legitimise the operation but withdrew it in August because they did not have enough evidence to prove that it had been running for the past 10 years.

They were given the chance to gather the information that was lacking, and are due to re-apply for the certificate.

gbebbington@guardiangrp.co.uk