PROTESTERS have des-cended on a Fareham pig farm currently under investigation by Hamp-shire animal welfare officers to highlight their campaign to improve conditions at the site.

Animal rights groups from Fareham, Gosport and Portsmouth gathered near The Gillies smallholding as part of a long-running dispute over the treatment of animals.

The smallholding, which is owned by Bert Pointer, was at the centre of a dispute last year when residents distressed by the noise, smell and the state of the animals notified Fareham environmental health officers of their concerns.

At the time, a monitoring exercise failed to establish any cause for the concerns and Mr Pointer, who claimed that he was the victim of harassment, was found to be complying with relevant legislation.

But a Fareham Borough Council spokeswoman confirmed officers are still monitoring the area for any nuisance caused by the pigs' odour.

And Helen Nelson of Fareham and Gosport Animal Rights, one of the organisers of the recent demonstration, believes conditions are still not acceptable.

She said: "It is disgraceful the conditions those pigs are kept in. The residents who complained about the revolting smell came to us and we are sure rules and regulations are not being observed. Conditions there are absolutely disgusting." Now it has also been confirmed that the site is currently the focus of an ongoing investigation by Hampshire County Council animal welfare officers.

A spokeswoman for the county confirmed inquiries were taking place but declined to confirm that it was the pigs' welfare under scrutiny.

She added: "The site is currently under investigation with the help of the Ministry of Agriculture. I can say no more."

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