The genetically modified crop debate raises strong emotions

Parish councillors are meeting in Stickney, near Boston, to discuss the idea.

Although there are no GM crop trial sites planned for Stickney, there are concerns that the area might be considered for future projects.

Parish councillor Brian Wood said the aim was to ensure no GM tests were conducted in an area relying heavily on agriculture.

Variant CJD

He said: "It's the science of the sorcerer's apprentice.

"It's totally wrong to conduct trials in agricultural areas.

"Some years ago we were assured by the best brains that CJD could not cross the species barrier.

"Now here we are faced with variant CJD."