Rory Stewart is set to learn more about the debate of the so-called Penrith Pong with a visit to the Omega Proteins factory.

This is the latest development in discussions between campaigners and the Omega Proteins animal rendering factory over smells.

Mr Stewart, MP for Penrith and the Border, has accepted an invitation to visit the factory where he plans to raise his constituents' concerns. A date is yet to be set for the meeting.

The campaign to stop the Penrith Pong has now reached more than 400 signatures on an online petition.

Jeff Thomson, campaign organiser, said: “At least the MP is bringing some priority to this ongoing nightmare, and taking the campaigners’ concerns to the company.

“I look forward to hearing from him after his meeting.”

There are three aims to the stop the Penrith Pong campaign.

The first is to ask the Eden District Council to no longer approve planning applications from Omega Proteins.

The second is to ask the Environment Agency to suspend the factory operations permit until the smell is dealt with.

The third is to stop the transport of abattoir waste coming into the town in non-refrigerated lorries.

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