ANGRY residents criticised plans to expand a food processing plant in the Vale at a special village meeting.

Kane's Foods has applied for planning permission to build a new 5,900sq-metre building on its site in Cleeve Road, Middle Littleton.

More than 150 villagers with concerns about road congestion, drainage and sewers turned out to quiz Kane's boss, Dr John Randall.

John Bashford, North and Middle Littleton parish councillor who chaired the meeting, said the views expressed on Wednesday evening would be passed to Wychavon District Council's planning department before any decision was made.

South Littleton resident Nigel Weaver said: "As a community we have to say enough is enough. If this application is allowed how can councillors possibly resist the next one and the one after that?"

Dr Randall said the expansion was essential for the company, which is a major producer of packaged salads and stir-fry mixes. "We are not monsters, we employ no gang masters, no agencies and we do not house employees in squalid conditions. We have been in the village for 40 years and we are proud of what we do.

"We need this new building in order to stay competitive. It will be of benefit to the factory, my employees, the growers of the Vale of Evesham and to the local economy as a whole. "

Villagers also questioned Dr Randall about disposal of waste, the capacity of the plant's sewerage system, disposal of vegetable matter in nearby fields, illegal use of a bridleway by staff and the possibility of moving the business to a more suitable industrial site.

Bob Sheard, the new owner of South Littleton Manor, said the objections raised by residents should be a crucial factor when the matter is put before planners. "Given the strength of local opposition, what could possibly persuade Wychavon to approve this, would it simply be a case of commercial profit?"

Resident Sean Witherford said he understood the needs of the business but added he wanted something done to reduce potential danger to children. "I would ask that you work with the school or with local parents to come up with a traffic plan so that no lorries travel through the village at certain times, such school opening and closing times."

The parish councils of South and North & Middle Littleton were both due to discuss the proposals again last night before making recommendations to Wychavon.