REPORT By VIVIEN KANDEL

CALLS are being made for work to stop immediately at Sandiway's toxic waste tip.

Villagers want excavation work to be halted - after concerns that a foul stench coming from the tip could pose a risk to health.

Now there are fears that some residents will take the law into their own hands and blockade the road unless something is done.

Chris Cowan and other members of Cuddington and Sandiway Action group do not believe a blockade is the answer.

But Chris fears other villagers will go ahead if work continues.

"They want something to be done, and unless something is done pretty soon I've heard rumours that some residents might block the road," he said.

A report from leading toxicologist Dr Virginia Murray, last week, revealed that the tip, on Chester Road, which is emitting a foul acrid stench does pose a potential risk to public health.

Main issues for concern are that blue asbestos has been found just below the surface, and cases of aggravated asthma have been reported by residents.

The tip is being excavated so that developers can build houses on the land, once it has been 'cleaned up'.

When work started in March villagers continually complained about the stench and the health authority called on Dr Murray to carry out tests.

Speaking about the report Chris Cowan said: "Our action group has been given the job of proving that this tip is a danger to the public. What more evidence do they need?

"It's no good waiting for more test results to be revealed. It will be too late by then. It's just shutting the gate after the horse has bolted."

The group is hoping to meet Dr Murray tomorrow (Thursday).

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