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200 homes to be tested for contamination

A STOCKPORT housing estate of 200 homes is to be tested for chemical contamination

But Council bosses are confident there is nothing to fear.

The Edgeley development, built on the site of a former bleachworks, has not been examined since its construction in the 1980s and a team of specialist contractors has been brought in to check it is safe for residential use.

A three-month, £140,000 soil-testing project will begin later this month in the area - once home to Sykes and Co bleachworks.

Householders have received letters from the council's Environmental Health department, and the Director of Public Health asking permission to dig a narrow hole in each garden for the testing.

Land quality experts have also held a number of evening information sessions for concerned residents.

Corporate director for Environment and Economy Elaine McLean played down any health fears.

"There have been no reports of problems on the estate and the Primary Care Trust report health records of the population on the estate show no adverse indications," she said. "Their initial look at the development from a health point of view has not led to them having any concerns.

"However, these days there is a lot more emphasis on the condition of former industrial land - we must ensure there is a safe environment for the public, and residents will obviously want to be reassured."

Ms McLean added: "This project is for the benefit of the residents. It aims to make sure the land meets acceptable standards. The council will be keeping all the residents properly informed"

The land was cleared and housing built after the bleachworks closed in the 1980s. Sykes and Co used various chemicals in the bleaching process at the site, near Edgeley Reservoir.

It is usual practice for land to be cleared or covered before housing development.

However, the Council has no actual records from the 1980s of how the various housebuilders filled or cleared the land at this site.

Soil samples taken from estate gardens will be tested for chemicals; there will also be testing for methane gas.

A regular bulletin will be delivered to homes, Environmental Health officers will be on site along with the geologists, and the council has received guidance from the Heath Protection Agency, experienced in this type of project elsewhere in the country.

Ms McLean added: "Currently we have no evidence that the land is contaminated, but there will be advice for residents if unacceptable contamination is found."

Jim and Maureen Beech have lived on Sykes Meadow for eight years. "We did know this might be contaminated ground but people have been buying and selling here for years," said Maureen. "There's no undue concern over health."

Jim added: "The couple opposite had a bit of a hiccough selling their house a couple of years ago but got a certificate to say their land was fine and I've heard of nothing like it since. No one seems bothered and the houses sell like hot cakes."

Neighbour Michael Branson, 54, moved in two-and-a-half years ago. He said: "The only thing people round here think is what a beautiful place it is to live. Everyone's quite happy."

Letters have been sent to householders at: Sykes Meadow, Wimbledon Drive, Alexandra Close, Newcroft Drive, Pangbourne Close, Runnymede Close, Runnymede Court, and Swanbourne Gardens.

CLICK on the video link below for Channel M's report ...

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