The company behind a controversial Halal abattoir say they want to be a large employer for the coast.
Premier Halal Meats, who are behind an application to open up a Halal abattoir on Heath Road industrial estate in Skegness, hope to create between 40 and 70 jobs for the town.
A spokesman from the company, who would not give his name, said: “About 50 people have applied for a job with us and we expect more applications to come in. We will be employing a lot of people and hope to be one of the biggest employers in Skegness.”
He declined to comment on some of the concerns raised by local residents regarding animal welfare practices, but simply said they were “lovely people” who are generating publicity for their business as a local employer.
This comes after local campaigners continue to gather signatures on petitions against the abattoir.
On Saturday, the far right National Front held a demonstration in Tower Gardens.
They used a loud speaker to address around 50 people and a small leaflet drop on Grand Parade.
Lincolnshire Police said it was a peaceful protest which went without incident.
Chief Inspector Daryl Pearce said: “As a result of the effective planning for this event, the protestors were able to undertake their peaceful demonstration without disruption or inconvenience to the local community, businesses and visitors.”
Lincolnshire Police would not comment on the police resources used for the protest, nor how much it cost.
Campaigners who are against the slaughterhouse because of animal welfare concerns did not support the political protest.
Tess Turner from Alford has set up online petitions and a Facebook page Say NO to Halal slaughter in Skegness.
She said: “I am getting more ‘likes’ on Facebook for the campaign and there are petitions all over the place.
“I had nothing to do with the demonstrations by this political group but possibly the only good thing from it was that they did bring it to the attention of more people.
“Most people are animal lovers so the general consensus from people here is that they are against it.”
The Target has received letters from businesses on Heath Road concerned that people will boycott the industrial estate because of the abattoir.
Briony Lill, who has also set up petitions, said: “I want to support local businesses as much as I can but I hope the local businesses will also get together to fight this too.”