MID-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff has demanded answers from the Ministry of Agriculture over fears that Himbleton may be turning into a funeral pyre for the whole county.

A pyre was built on the site of the Saldons Farm outbreak and was supposed to be for infected animals from farms adjoining it.

But Mr Luff said there was growing evidence that animals from outside the area were being added to the pyre, which has been burning since last week.

He said he had received a growing "torrent" of complaints from Himbleton residents and wanted MAFF to confirm what was happening.

"MAFF claim that the only animals being burnt there are dairy cattle over five years of age from farms contiguous - adjacent - with the Saldons Farm outbreak," he said.

"If that's the case I will, reluctantly, support the continuation of the burning. But local farmers are telling me that animals are being taken there from farms that have nothing to do with the outbreak.

"I am seeking to confirm information that animals have been taken to Himbleton from Defford and Hindlip."

Mr Luff said he found it hard to believe that MAFF still needed to move new carcases, lorry loads of coals and kerosene to the site 14 days after the outbreak was at Saldons.

"The conditions for people living within reach of the acrid smoke are intolerable. I've had reports of farmers unable to go into their field to feed animals, because of the stench, and asthmatic children experiencing breathing difficulties.

"I've asked a Parliamentary question seeking clarification and I'm pressing MAFF for a fuller account of what's happening. There's growing evidence that Himbleton is serving as a funeral pyre for the whole county," he added.

MAFF said today that no more carcases would be taken to the farm.

"A total of 970 cattle have been disposed of at Himbleton," said a spokeswoman.

"There was one load of 200 cattle from a bordering area, but these were contiguous premises with a Worcestershire farm and they were clean animals.

"This has been done logistically and with the farmer's consent. Instead of building lots of little fires, we bring them to one big site," she added.