MYSTERY still surrounds the origin of a chemical smell in Edenfield which left 15 people needing treatment by paramedics.

Blackburn Road was closed to traffic for three hours on Wednesday night after residents in a block of terraced houses called the emergency services claiming their houses had filled with a chemical smell. Fourteen residents were treated by paramedics and a local doctor for nausea and sore throats and on the advice of Environment Agency firefighters flushed the drains with water.

Station Officer David Bowers, from Rawtenstall Fire Station, said: "We were called back yesterday afternoon because another resident was suffering from to effects of the chemical.

"We have still not been able to identify the substance although it did seem to be a solvent type smell, possibly xylene.

"Environmental Health officers from Rossendale took samples from the water courses in the area and we will be liaising with them to find out what the substance is." Mr Bowers said anyone else was suffering ill effects should seek medical advice.

Chairman of Rossendale environmental health committee Coun David Easton said: "We have received a letter from a resident on Blackburn Road. When we have more information we will organise a site meeting."

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