New health check on toxic blast

Villagers wanted the plant closed after the explosion

A fresh investigation is to be ordered into contamination from an explosion at a chemical plant last year.

Villagers near the toxic waste plant at Sandhurst, Gloucestershire, have repeatedly called for a public inquiry, without success.

This week a report by Gloucestershire Health Authority confirmed that people continued to suffer health problems as a result of the explosion on 30 October.

Now the Environmental Health department at Tewkesbury Borough Council is expected to order its own report.

Floodwaters hit days after the explosion

Councillors are due to vote on Tuesday on whether to spend up to £20,000 assessing the possible long-term health risk to Sandhurst residents.

The health authority report said the number of health problems was decreasing.

The Cleansing Service Group (CSG) has been given clearance to resume for some low-grade waste processing at the plant, once safeguards have been put in place.

The news angered members of the Sandhurst Area Action Group. Some members wanted the plant closed permanently.

Seventy people were forced from their homes when the River Severn flooded the site only days after the explosion.

The water reacted with chemicals to produce noxious gases.

CSG's licence was suspended, but the company appealed.

The Health and Safety Executive issued two notices ordering improvements to protect workers' health.