However, he warned activists, who include the Animal Liberation Front, that any future trouble would probably lead to the imposition of the requested no-go zone.

Owners of the farms in the village of Newchurch, backed by several residents and a local councillor, had complained of a "guerrilla campaign" by activists.

They won an injunction last November limiting the size, length and frequency of protests and their proximity to the farms.

On Thursday the judge said that injunction would stay in effect for the time being and rejected the villagers' request for the wider zone .

"But, should the protection afforded by the injunction prove inadequate, the matter can be restored," he added.