THE protest group opposing plans for an asylum centre at Throckmorton today launched an appeal for funds to fight the proposals.

The Protest at the Asylum Centre at Throckmorton (PACT) said more than 1,000 people had already pledged financial support or offered to help efforts to block the Worcestershire centre.

PACT chairwoman Liz Tucker said £7,000 had been pledged by the community so far, but up to £50,000 could be needed to fund legal representation at any future public inquiry.

"We're prepared to fight this all the way down the line, but we need people's support," the county councillor added.

PACT member Steve Mitchell agreed, saying enough funds should be available to fight expensive Government lawyers.

"The Government will have a battery of lawyers trying to impose this mad plan on us, so we must have the best legal advice we can get to defend the democratic rights of local people."

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff has condemned Government plans to house about 750 asylum seekers at the site near Pershore, claiming they would be left without adequate public services.

The Conservative MP has denounced the Government for pushing the plans through without "adequate consultation", and has suggested a host of other sites which he believes are more suitable for asylum seekers.

Other opponents of the planned centre claim it would overload infrastructure in the village, which has already been forced to accept a massive foot-and-mouth burial pit containing 130,000 carcases.