Probe into 'exposed' toxic dump

The South Shields site is popular with walkers

An inquiry team has begun hearing evidence into the risks to a coastal community from sea erosion, which could expose a toxic landfill site.

South Tyneside Council has admitted there may be long-term problems from cancer-causing chemicals.

The 60-year-old site at Trow Quarry in South Shields, contains arsenic, cyanide, asbestos and methane pockets.

Now a South Tyneside Council scrutiny commission has begun its investigation into the issue.

The cliffside site is at risk of being exposed by erosion from the tides which batter the coastline.

The quarry is owned and managed by the National Trust, which has reassured residents and visitors to the area that there are no short-term risks.

If mistakes have been made, the important thing is that we make sure that they don't happen again Commission chair, Jim Perry

The site is popular with walkers and is close to the route used by the Great North Run.

Members of the commission have heard evidence from several council officers, as well as experts from the National Trust.

The presence of fill materials at the Trow Quarry site was first detected during a ground investigation in 2003.

But a full picture of what lies underground will not emerge until consultants, High-Point Rendel, complete further ground investigations.

The National Trust's head of environmental practices, Rob Jarman, told commission members that coastal erosion is a national problem, and reassured them that there is no immediate danger to the public's health.

Mr Jarman outlined plans for the short-term containment of any contaminated areas whilst a medium to long-term solution is negotiated.

An action plan has now been completed to address public concerns over South Tyneside Council's management of matter.

Chair of the commission, Councillor Jim Perry, said: "If mistakes have been made, the important thing is that we make sure that they don't happen again.

"We cannot turn the clock back, but we can identify weaknesses and take steps to address them."