ANIMAL health minister Elliot Morley hopes the independent report into Throckmorton will allay people's fears about the safety of the burial site.

Since 2001, there have been reports that chemicals were leaking from the pits, threatening water systems, and that the pits were the cause of a plague of flies in Throckmorton and neighbouring communities.

In the past, people living near the site have also complained of similar illnesses, including blisters in the mouth, sore eyes and throats and extreme tiredness.

And despite repeated reassurances from agencies managing the site and South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust that there was no evidence of hazards to their health, villagers had remained to be convinced.

Defra hopes the report, which states that on-going physical health risks are negligible and that continuing environmental impacts and risks are acceptable, will allay some of those fears.

"We hope that the positive findings of this independent study will provide the reassurance local residents and other stakeholders have sought on health and environmental issues," said animal health Minister Elliot Morley.

Landscaped

The site is to be landscaped as part of the on-going restoration work and will include 14 hectares of native grass species, a small lake and a wetland area.

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff praised the report into the burial ground by Norwegian Firm Set Norske Veritas, which calls for Defra to act in regaining the trust of the local community.

"My initial reaction is that the report is thorough and authoritative," said Mr Luff.

"It points to things that need to be improved and acknowledges the huge stress local people have been put under.

"However, it does seem to offer real reassurance about health and environmental risks from the site.

"I still believe that the Government was seriously wrong not to buy the houses blighted for so long by the burial site, but I do welcome the objectivity of today's report.

"I hope it will provide the opportunity for Throckmorton to put this dreadful period behind it and to allow the community to return to normal.

"But it is only local people who can decide whether or not the report really does offer that possibility.

"I will be listening to them very carefully."

A public meeting to discuss the report will take place in Throckmorton on Thursday, May 22.