JULIE Kirkbride, MP for Bromsgrove, has expressed her support for residents in their battle to stop proposals for an incinerator in Hopwood.

The chimney at Mayfield Farm, off Canalside in Hopwood, is still a hot topic with residents, who last month presented the MP with a petition to stop plans for the 80ft structure to render animal by-products.

Ms Kirkbride said she sympathised with residents and had contacted Worcestershire County Council on their behalf.

In a letter to the MP, director of environmental services for Bromsgrove Council Robin Goundry said the county council would soon be reaching a decision about the plan.

He said chimneys, such as the one proposed for Mayfield Farm, serve a "thermal oxidiser" and are designed to burn all odorous compounds relating to rendering.

"The greater the height of the chimney the better would be the dispersal of combustion exhaust gases," he said.

Ms Kirkbride said claims the chimney would "improve air quality and reduce pollution" could place residents opposed to it in a difficult position.

She said: "But the fact remains it will be an eyesore and many people are fiercely against it.

"I would dearly love to see the site relocated to a position away from houses.

"But the problem is nobody wants such an eyesore near their homes."