Residents' fears over gas tanks

The gas storage tanks are planned for Llanfyllin

Residents on a Powys housing estate are opposing plans by an energy company to locate "potentially dangerous" liquid gas tanks near their homes.

The storage compound near Bron-y-Gaer estate in Llanfyllin would be a safety hazard, local people claim.

They have launched a petition urging Powys council to reject a planning application from energy supplier Wales and West Utilities (WWU).

But the firm said protecting public safety was of "paramount concern".

Llanfyllin's county councillor Peter Lewis said there were already two gas tank storage areas on an industrial estate in the town.

"I don't see the need to move the tanks from the industrial estate to just a few feet away from these homes. Why don't they just extend the industrial estate site?" said Mr Lewis.

"Not only are the tanks potentially dangerous, but presumably more lorries will be using the area and access to the housing estate is poor.

"There's also a feeling that the tanks will have a negative visual impact."

WWU said Llanfyllin was currently supplied by two liquid petroleum gas (LPG) storage depots in the town, but to improve efficiency and reduce environmental issues it planned to replace them.

A company spokesman said: "Protecting public safety is Wales & West Utilities' paramount concern.

"The proposed new LPG site in Llanfyllin complies fully with guidelines set out by the LP Gas Association.

"The design provides for a system that is fit for purpose, without compromising safety, security, reliability and the environment.

"Ultimately safety and the security of gas supplies to local people are the key drivers for Wales & West Utilities and it is hoped that a satisfactory conclusion can be found."

The company said it had explored the possibility of using the town's existing LPG sites, but that would have contravened regulations.