CAMPAIGNERS have been criticised for using "scare tactics" and exaggerating the perceived problems of living close to an auction market by fellow town residents.

An action group has been set up in objection to plans to move Northallerton Auction Mart from the town centre to a site off Thirsk Road close to St James estate.

But householders living next to the mart have hit back at concerns from the protestors, saying many of their objections against the smell and noise have been blown out of proportion.

Jim Turnball's house, in Romanby Road, backs on to the cattle and furniture mart.

He said: "I've lived here since 1980 and dispute any claims that noise and smell are a problem. They are using scare tactics."

People living near the estate are also worried about the environmental and traffic impact of the proposed scheme.

But Jen Wake, of Rose Cottages near the existing mart site, has no sympathy for the claims, and said the new plans included a huge car park and better access routes.

"I live next door to the mart and admittedly here the traffic problem is unbearable. But the new plans include a 250 place car park, green space and better access," she said.

"Where was the support from all these campaigners when we protested against the mart being in the centre of town?"

Auction Mart chairman Tom Hugill agreed that many of the problems were being embellished.

"Hundreds of people visit Northallerton for a day's shopping and they don't complain of smell and noise from the mart even though it is just 30 meters from Barkers store," he said.

"An effluence plant on the proposed site will minimise any smell and I doubt residents will even be able to see or hear the mart."

Action group leader Bob Beaver said he agreed the mart should move out the town centre, but was fiercely against plans to bring it to St James estate.

He said: "Northallerton doesn't depend on trade from the mart any more, so why can't it move to a disused site totally away from the town?"

Outline proposals for the mart are expected to go before Hambleton District Council's planning committee at the end of the month.