FURTHER investigation into a proposed North-East animal incinerator has been recommended following residents' safety concerns.

The North York Moors National Park Authority gave planning permission for the incinerator, at Charltons, near Guisborough, east Cleveland, last month.

But yesterday a meeting of the scrutiny committee from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, which could give the incinerator its licence, said too many questions regarding health issues remained unanswered.

The incinerator would be built 90 metres from homes and next to a children's playing field.

John Tombs, Lockwood Parish Council chairman, said: "We are very pleased with the outcome of this meeting. The councillors there were very concerned about the health risks this incinerator would pose to us. At last someone is listening to us."

Licensed slaughterer JE Noddings and Son wants to run the incinerator at its Stable House industrial estate.

But a petition against the incinerator has been signed by 600 people who are concerned about the possible risk of pollution.

They are also concerned about health risks and pollutants from the incinerator's chimneys and have called for an atmospheric modelling study to be carried out.

The proposed incinerator will be discussed further at another council scrutiny meeting, for which a date has yet to be set.

A spokesman for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said: "At the end of the meeting, a report will be given to the council's executive. That report could include recommendations, but the council accepts it cannot overturn the park authority's planning decision."

No one from JE Noddings and Son was available for comment last night.