RESIDENTS are kicking up a stink at proposals to create a new wastewater treatment works in Kirkby-in-Furness.

North West Water Ltd is investing £12 million to transform wastewater treatment in the area from a basic system, relying on septic tanks, to an ultra-modern process.

At Broughton and Kirkby, it says ten wastewater discharges will be reduced to three, leading to cleaner water in local streams, rivers, bathing waters and on Duddon Sands, a site of special scientific interest.

But up to 150 local residents demonstrated their opposition to the work, which will take place in two phases and is due to start next spring, at a two-hour public meeting at Kirkby-in-Furness community centre.

"They were annoyed," said chairman Kirkby and Broughton councillor Jos Curwen.

"One of the main concerns was the odour which it could create for Soutergate because the works will be too close to properties.

"The proposed pumping station at Marshside is against the gable of a house and in an area prone to flooding.

At Head Crag it will be right in front of two properties, which are happy being on septic tanks and will not be going on to the new system anyway.

"At Sandside and Marshside there will be three pumping stations on a half-mile stretch of road.

People are concerned about the visual impact and the noise of the pumping as well."

Broughton-in-Furness villagers have also held a public meeting to protest at the second phase of the scheme, which, if approved, is due to be finished a year after the first in March 2003.

This includes a new wastewater treatment works south of Greety Gate, a smaller plant at Skellow Crag and around two miles of new sewers.

South Lakeland District Council's head of environmental protection Mark Richardson said he realised there were concerns among residents and his department would address them.

"There is always somebody who is going to be disadvantaged but the majority will be considerably advantaged," he said.

"For anyone walking in proximity of some of the current outlets, the smell is appalling."

John Carberry, for North West Water, said the meetings offered a positive opportunity for the company to explain the schemes and why they were being implemented.

"If residents have any comments, we will respond accordingly," he said.

On February 28, Cumbria County Council is expected to consider NWW's planning application for a new wastewater treatment works at Cross Beck Farm, to the south of Soutergate, a new pumping station at Sandside and wastewater pumping station control buildings at Long Row, Marshside, Head Crag and Cart House Farm, Soutergate.