WITH regard to the recent chemical leak from Nipa Laboratories, Oswaldtwistle, and the subsequent fudging and apparent cover-up of information coupled with a lack of action by the company, the local council, along with the Department of the Environment, seems to indicate that the so-called "harmless" substance was in fact something much more dangerous.

The reason? Two weeks after the so-called 'steam cloud' enveloped Oswaldtwistle, I would like to know why the trees and shrubs in my garden appear shrivelled and dying.

Instead of being in full colour and bloom, the rowan and aspen trees seem to think its November and have leafless, lifeless branches.

The conifers, which at this time are usually a beautiful golden colour, appear scorched.

Regardless of the fact that it took the authorities over three hours to warn residents in the area of the dangers and that subsequent reports contradicted earlier statements as to exactly what the chemical cocktail was in the atmosphere that night, what bothers me is that, if whatever it was can do such damage to the flora and fauna what damage has it done to the human population of the area?

I would be grateful if someone from the company could tell me.

S R RICHARDSON, Cardigan Avenue, Oswaldtwistle.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.