Report says Wingmoor tip emissions within safe limits

Campaigns say they are not reassured as the report does not completely rule out a risk

Pollution experts have concluded that emissions at a Gloucestershire landfill site are within safety levels, despite concerns from local residents.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) studied levels of dioxins and metals at Wingmoor Farm waste treatment centre.

It said levels were unlikely to cause health issues, but efforts to cut chromium exposure would be "prudent".

Campaigners said they were not reassured as the report did not completely rule out a risk.

"It doesn't say 'there is no risk'," said Barbara Farmer from SWARD (Safety in Waste and Rubbish Disposal), who lives near the Bishop's Cleeve site.

"And when you live as close as we do and if you're being told that carcinogenic dust is blowing out towards your home, you want to know that there is no risk and the report concludes that it would be prudent to stop these emissions."

But Ruth Roll, from Grundon Waste Management, said the results proved the company was doing everything possible to minimise pollution.

"The current HPA study was based on real measurements in real time and found that dioxins, PCBs, furans - the dust in effect released from Wingmoor - are unlikely to be an issue or to pose a significant impact to health."