It costs �20,000 a week to maintain Ash Moor pits

The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has declined to publish any formal plans.

But a spokeswoman said senior policy officials would consult local people about what should happen to the site.

People living nearby say they are disappointed by Defra's response, but not surprised.

They continue to press for reinstatement of the land, and an inquiry into the affair.

The Ash Moor pits were constructed in the spring, when thousands of animals were being slaughtered.

Pit security

In November, Mr Morley admitted in a parliamentary written answer that �5.6m had been spent on securing and maintaining the pits.

The cost was rising at �20,000 a week, he said.

A Defra spokeswoman said the weekly total included �6,000 on security, �6,000 on drainage and other maintenance, and �8,000 on hiring equipment such as water pumps and lighting.

She said much of that money was contributing to the local economy.