Locals tour toxic dump

Parish councillors want regular monitoring

People living near a controversial new dump for toxic waste have been looking safety measures on the site.

A former clay pit on the Northamptonshire/Cambridgeshire border is the first in the UK to be licensed to take toxic waste under European law.

There has been fierce opposition to the project at Slipe Pit where construction began in March.

Nearby householders are worried that hazardous substances such as asbestos will contaminate the area.

The system absolutely ensures there can of no migration of any substances which might prove to be hazardous

Wasteco managing director, Adrian Kirby

Contractors Wasteco, which will operate the site for Atlantic Waste Services, says the 30-acre site is safe.

Substances such as asbestos, lead, mecury, contaminated topsoil and inorganic cyanide can now legally be disposed of in a series of sealed pits.

Collyweston and Kings Cliffe parish councillors had both expressed concerns about potential hazards at the pits.

During the tour of the site, Collyweston Parish Council vice-chairman Fiona Cowan said: "What happens if there's a problem with containing the material which goes into the pits?

"Is is going to get into the water table?

"Is it going to contaminate the ground and contaminate the water?"

Pits monitored

Wasteco managing director Adrian Kirby said each pit had a thick clay and plastic liner. "These substances won't get out," he said.

"The engineering containment system in these cells absolutely ensures there can of no migration of any substances which might prove to be hazardous."

But despite the assurances, parish councillors say they intend to be vigilant about ensuring that the pits are properly and independently monitored.