Fears over future of blast plant

Planners will consider the application to rebuild the factory

Companies operating near a former paint storage depot which exploded last year are opposing plans to rebuild it.

Fire ripped through the Bartoline plant in Swinemoor Lane, Beverley, East Yorkshire in May _ sending smoke billowing 2,000ft in the air.

Now neighbouring companies want to see a 15ft blast proof wall built around the new development to protect them.

But Bartoline says it has already included features to ensure the plant is one of the safest in the country.

Planners at the East Riding of Yorkshire Council are to consider an application on Thursday to rebuild the factory.

Bartonline's managing director Simon Barton said in a statement: "The new factory would include a state-of-the-art sprinkler and fire suppression system combined with a sophisticated fire alarm which would automatically protect drainage ditches and public sewers."