A ROW has erupted over plans to build four "massive" milking sheds next to a Ribble Valley hamlet.

Residents of Withgill Fold, which has been converted to housing over the past few years, are protesting against the scheme and will hold an emergency meeting with councillors tonight.

But Bashall Eaves farmer Barry Barnes said the matter had been whipped up out of all proportion.

He wants to amalgamate his two farms at Withgill, increase his livestock and introduce state-of-the-art milking technology in four 60x28m units.

Protesters are concerned about the welfare of cows, who they claim will be "cooped up in the units with round-the-clock milking."

"We are concerned about the scale of the development and the sheer size of the proposed buildings." said resident Laura Field.

"We also fear for the welfare of the animals and will be studying the plans closely to see what they involve."

But Barry Barnes said the farm would give a new lease of life to the Ribble Valley's ailing dairy industry.

He also refuted claims the development would herald the start of American-style intensive farming in Britain's countryside.

"Dairy farming in Ribble Valley is having a really rough time and milk prices have dropped by 20 per cent," he explained.

"We milk 270 cows at each of my farms at Withgill. Combining them and introducing a modern milking unit will bring costs down."

He said the new milking sheds would be "substantial buildings," but would be landscaped and built according to the latest research in animal welfare. It's not true that the calves will be locked up day and night. They will be weaned in the ordinary way.

"These accusations really upset me. We are trying to move forward and create jobs. This is the countryside and farming goes on here," he added.

Ribble Valley councillors are to visit the site and meet concerned residents tonight.

A public meeting will be held at Mitton Village Hall at 7.30pm on Friday.

The matter is expected to come up before the council's planning committee at the end of May.

OPINION: Page 6

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