Coronation Street actress Kate Ford, Bill Oddie and Green MP Caroline Lucas, have joined Compassion to announce that the final countdown is now on to oppose plans for the UK's first 'mega-dairy' in Lincolnshire and encourage everyone to object to the plans.

There are just a few days left for those concerned to submit their objections to Nocton Dairies' plans for a US-style 'mega-dairy' - where over 3,000 cows will be housed indoors for most of their lives.

During the festive period the fantastic three kindly took time out from their busy schedules to send Compassion an image of themselves with the message '7 days left to say NO to the mega-dairy.'

The images were used as part of a publicity drive to encourage as many people as possible to submit their objections before the deadline which is 5pm on Tuesday 11th January 2011.

How to object

Over a thousand objections have so far been received by North Kesteven District Council which is a fantastic result but there is still time and room for plenty more!

The Council is giving greater consideration to objections which take environmental impact and local amenity (i.e. noise, smell, traffic) into account - over those which focus on animal welfare and ethical issues surrounding factory farming. To make an impact Compassion recommends that objections include these vital environmental issues as well as animal welfare concerns.

Aside from the unacceptable access to cows grazing, Nocton Dairies could have serious consequences for the environment and the local area. There is a risk that plans to spread waste and/or digestate could contaminate the local water supply through spillage and infiltration. Local residents are also concerned about an increase in the amount of flies, odours and heavy goods lorries the 'mega-dairy' would bring with it to the picturesque rural area.

Pat Thomas, Nocton Campaign Manager for Compassion in World Farming, said:

"The public consultation period is nearly over and Compassion needs your support to keep cows in fields. Local residents have been campaigning hard and it is clear that there is tremendous opposition to these plans which will see thousands of cows kept indoors for most of their lives.

"If it gets the go ahead, Nocton Dairies would be the UK's first 'mega-dairy' and the largest in the country. However, this is not just an issue for Nocton, or even Lincolnshire. Plans for other factory dairy farms in Cambridgeshire and Wales are under development. Some are waiting to see the outcome of Nocton before submitting their own planning applications. Sadly your area could be next which why we need everyone's support.

Coronation Street actress Kate Ford who plays Tracy Barlow, said:

"The countdown is on. The proposed 'mega-dairy' would be a disaster for local people, for dairy farmers, for animals and for the environment. We need everyone's support now to keep cows in fields and to stop these plans from going ahead."

Compassion's website gives good advice for anyone wishing to object to the planning proposals in a way that has the greatest effect. Please forward this to anyone you feel would be able to help make a difference and protect the future welfare of our cows.

You can submit your objections from now until 5pm on Tuesday 11th January, 2011:

Click here to see how to submit your objections.

The countdown gains celebrity support