CHARGES brought against a controversial Halal abattoir have been dropped.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council had pressed the charges against Banara Halal Meats who have a slaughterhouse in the village of Boosbeck in east Cleveland.

The council had alleged that the abattoir had been taking livestock deliveries outside of specified hours, denied by the company.

A trial was planned at the court but the local authority offered no evidence.

A joint statement issued on behalf of Redcar and Cleveland council and Banaras Halal Meats said: “In the proceedings in the Teesside Magistrates’ Court on 25 August the council offered no evidence and the charge against Banaras Halal Meats (BHM) was dismissed.

“The parties considered that 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 officers of the council and representatives of BHM to seek to agree procedures in relation to deliveries of livestock to the premises.

“The parties wish to move positively forwards and it is hoped that 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.