FOOD factory bosses in Biggar are to meet with angry neighbours today following a lengthy dispute over waste disposal and fumes.

Many householders living near The Scottish Gourmet premises in the town have lodged complaints over the past couple of years.

As well as waste attracting vermin to the Station Road area, they claim lorries parked in the factory depot are left running, creating fume pollution.

Ian Henderson, who lives nearby, told us: "There are up to four lorries left running for hours - the smell and noise is awful.

"There's also continuous problems with waste being left out - there are crows and gulls everywhere pulling it apart and there's also the flies and the foxes it attracts, and no doubt rats.

"It's like a big box of rotting meat being left outside.

"This is close to where a lot of people live."

Although complaints have been made to South Lanarkshire Council, the residents claim that the problems have persisted.

And today a summit between the neighbours and bosses from parent firm, Browns Food Group, will be chaired by local MP David Mundell.

Ahead of the meeting in the Municipal Hall, Mr Mundell told us: "People living nearby have raised a number of issues with the factory and it is important we get these addressed.

"I'm pleased the company, which is a valued employer in the town, has expressed a willingness to engage with local residents.

"I hope the meeting will go some way to resolving these outstanding issues."