AN examination into claims that dangerous uranium waste has been dumped at a site near Preston is to be launched by environmental protection bosses.

Environment Agency chiefs in Lancashire say they are investigating allegations that the Clifton Marsh tip, Freckleton, is being used as a dump for radioactive waste from BNFL's Springfields site.

The uranium is reported to be more radioactive than depleted uranium (DU) used by British and American troops to tip shells and warheads used in the Gulf War ten years ago.

Public health experts believe that if the uranium deposits, now in powdered form, became ignited at the tip, then plumes of contaminated smoke could be blown across parts of Blackpool and Preston.

A spokesperson for BNFL Springfields claimed that the radioactivity is just 0.2 per cent of the levels naturally found in soil.

Yet, a spokesperson for ARROW -- Action to Reduce and Recycle our Waste -- who has campaigned for better recycling methods, says that they are alarmed by the revelations.

"It's very dangerous and a grave public health risk to have radioactive waste hanging around on a public tip.

"I am not surprised at all because we have learned that only a small amount of the waste is actually checked."

In a separate move, South Ribble Borough Council has produced a report investigating claims over the monitoring of waste taken from BNFL Springfields to the Clifton Marsh waste disposal site and the public's concern over radiation levels seeping into the River Ribble.

South Ribble MP David Borrow said: "Radiation pollution worries many people. I will continue to take a very active interest in radiation levels in the River Ribble."