A COUNCIL'S decision to produce no evidence against a controversial slaughterhouse has left campaigners feeling even more frustrated at the authority's handling of the problem.

Residents of Boosbeck have fought for more than two years to secure the closure of the Banaras Halal Meats abattoir in the heart of the east Cleveland village.

Court proceedings against the company were filed by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council but when the owner appeared in court on Tuesday, the authority offered no evidence so a district judge dropped the charges.

The company was being prosecuted for operating outside its planning permission by accepting deliveries outside of specified hours. A charge denied by the company.

Campaigner Marlene Brown believes the council should issue a discontinuance order to force the business to close as it is a blight on their lives.

She said: "The decision is the only one the Judge could give, as the planning surrounding the Slaughter house is almost none existent. The only consent is for the business to be there, it can operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

"The only restrictions are on the deliveries which shouldn't be after 9pm, but even that is unenforceable, because once the animals have set off they must be delivered. It proves the planning is not right and proper, and should be stopped, through a 102 discontinuance notice.

"As you know one was put to Council over a year ago, and they have avoided dealing with it correctly to avoid the consequences - a claim from the business owners for losses - and continue to let the villagers suffer, noise sights, smells and the psychological effects of a Slaughter house being so close to houses, even after their own report says the buildings are not fit for purpose, and after their own officers recommended closure. It would be a farce if it wasn't so serious. The least they should do is issue a stop notice until their own recommendation are implemented, this is what would happen on any other business causing nuisance."

Following the court appearance, a joint statement was issued on behalf of Redcar and Cleveland council and Banaras Halal Meats.

It said: “In the proceedings in the Teesside Magistrates’ Court on August 25, the council offered no evidence and the charge against Banaras Halal Meats (BHM) was dismissed.

“The parties considered it would be more productive to address any issues between the parties outside of the context of court proceedings.

“In this regard a meeting shall take place between council officers and representatives of BHM to seek to agree procedures in relation to deliveries of livestock to the premises.

“The parties wish to move positively forward and it is hoped the reaching of an agreement in relation to these procedures will further that objective.”

Villagers have opposed the firm’s £3m slaughterhouse which had been abandoned until it began operating again under new ownership in 2013. Before that there had been a two-year legal attempt to prevent its reopening.

The council has pledged to employ a dedicated environmental health officer to increase monitoring at the site.