RESIDENTS living in the shadow of a chemical plant have allegedly been left 'terrified' after a report singled out the factory as one of the worst cancer-causing pollution sites in the North West.

Oswaldtwistle ward councillor Dorothy Westell, spoke out after a report by Friends of the Earth revealed that tonnes of cancer-causing fumes were pumped into the air by chemical firm Nipa Laboratories. The report was based on Environment Agency figures for 1996. But fellow councillor Peter Britcliffe, who recently led residents on a visit to the troubled plant in Nook Lane, said he felt assured the company was taking steps to cut pollution and improve its relations with the community.

Nipa already faces prosecution over a leak last May and is under investigation after a second incident in November. The company has commissioned an audit into the plant's workings and the Environment Agency have launched a separate audit.

Coun Westell, a member of the liaison group set up by Hyndburn Council to monitor the plant, said: "I was terrified when I read the latest report in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. People just don't know where they stand.

"Nipa have been trying to comfort local people and convince them there are no significant problems. But then Friends Of The Earth came forward and told us about all these emissions - people don't know what to believe. This report has broken down the confidence we have started to build."

But Conservative councillor Peter Britcliffe, who accompanied a group of eight residents on a site visit, has backed the firm over moves to improve safety. Coun Britcliffe said: "Obviously it is not an ideal situation when housing is right next to industry, but that's just one of the things about living in the North West.

"But I have spoken to Nipa since the latest report was published and I understand they have cut the emissions significantly since 1996. The company have recently established a good relationship with the community and I believe they are taking the necessary action, with new procedures and investment to prevent more incidents. Our site visit was excellent and people came away feeling reassured. We were certainly not fobbed off."

Bill Goldsmith, a committee member on the Oswaldtwistle Residents Against Toxic Emissions group, said: "I think the site visits are a simple public relations exercise which do not tell people anything. What does Mr Britcliffe or any other lay person know about the workings of a chemical plant?"

Nipa have criticised the Friends of the Earth report for being out of date and said emissions had been reducing steadily since 1996.

A second site visit is being arranged for next month by Coun Doug Hayes. Call 01254 383389 for more details.

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