GAS levels have been monitored at a former landfill site in Droitwich to ensure residents are safe from poisonous fumes.

Councillor Lynne Duffy went out to the Briar Hill site, which is in her ward of Droitwich West, to help conduct a routine test which Wychavon District Council regularly carries out as part of its responsibility as landowner.

The council takes readings from three boreholes that have been installed.

The procedure involves securing a small tube to a tap at the top of the borehole from which the gases enter the monitoring equipment.

The purpose of the monitoring is to primarily look for methane and carbon dioxide gases, and the results are stored electronically and downloaded back at the council’s offices.

An analysis of the results is then made, with reference to historical readings.

Coun Lynne Duffy said: “As a resident of Droitwich, it’s reassuring to know that the council takes its responsibilities for public health and well-being seriously, and that these safety checks are carried out so professionally.”

The Briar Hill site is one of two regularly monitored by Wychavon, but the council said it is working with other landowners to ensure any issues relating to landfill gas are investigated.

The gas level reading initiative formed part of the council’s Our Customers 1st week.