CAMPAIGNERS against controversial plans to erect a chimney in Hopwood are urging residents to attend a public inquiry into the issue on Tuesday.

Members of action group HARM (Hopwood Against Rendering Movement) are appealing to people to turn out in force at the start of the three-day inquiry at Bromsgrove District Council's offices into plans to build a 17-metre chimney at Mayfield Farm, Canalside.

Gail Simpson, speaking on behalf of the group, said: "We just want to let people know the public inquiry is there and to go along on the first day so the public inspector, who isn't from the area, will get an idea of the strength of feeling."

The plans would see the chimney installed as part of a rendering plant to incinerate animal carcasses at the site, which lies on green belt land.

One application was withdrawn in May last year, after environmental concerns were made by Bromsgrove Council, British Waterways and Alvechurch and Barnt Green parish councils, along with reasons including noise, dirt, smells and increased traffic in the area.

And campaigners claim if the second application, set to be heard at next week's inquiry, is allowed, the incinerator could churn out 9.8 tonnes of emissions into the environment.

They also say the smell and pollution could not only affect Hopwood, Alvechurch, Barnt Green, Cofton Hackett but as far as Kings Norton, Cotter-idge and Longbridge.

Mrs Simpson added: "My house is less than 100 yards from this and it will affect a lot of people. It's been going on for several years now, but if it goes through this will affect us all - we urge people to support us."

The inquiry starts at 10am at Bromsgrove Council House, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove.

For more details on HARM, visit the website www.harm.org.uk