NEIGHBOURS in an acid cloud scare are to be interviewed in a major investigation into the leak from a nearby chemical factory.

Residents complained of sore throats and stinging eyes, and some said their garden plants withered and died, after the incident three weeks ago at Nipa Laboratories, in Nook Lane, Oswaldtwistle.

The firm is still banned from using the part of its plant involved in the incident.

Environment Agency Inspector John Isherwood said it was too early to say whether the company would be prosecuted, but further action has not been ruled out.

He said: "We are gathering evidence which, if there is sufficient, we will take to a court to decide."

The prohibition notice on part of the chemical plant will only be lifted when the Agency, in consultation with the Health and Safety Executive, decides it can operate safely. The company is working to modify the plant.

Mr Isherwood said: "When the modifications have been installed and tested, and we are satisfied it works, we will lift the notice.

"That could be within the next few days."

The Inspector has visited the site virtually every day as part of the inquiry into the escape of sulphur dioxide and hydrogen chloride, plus steam.

Mr Isherwood said: "The gases are acidic gases and are, in certain concentrations, harmful."

Calculations on the quantities and concentrations involved have not yet been completed, he added.

As well as interviewing workers at the plant, they will also be talking to fire service and police personnel involved in the late-night alert.

Mr Isherwood said: "As well as the incident itself our investigation will look at maintenance, training, and how the incident was handled and whether there could be improvements."

Statements are to be taken from householders living in Stanhill Lane who say garden plants withered and died in the wake of the leak.

Nipa have assured local residents that although water used by the fire brigade to cool an overheated gas scrubber caused large amounts of steam, there was no danger from any acidic gases escaping into the air and the steam was being dispersed before it passed the factory fence.

The company is carrying its own investigation into the causes of the incident.

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