Meeting to discuss chemical pollution concerns in Thornton-Cleveleys

A panel of legal and scientific experts will discuss test results published recently which have confirmed the presence of PFAS chemicals, sometimes known as ‘forever chemicals’, in the soil of people’s properties.

The panel will explore what the results mean for the health of the local population and environment, and what legal solutions may be available to the community.  

The meeting will take place at Thornton-Cleveleys Football Club from 5pm-7pm. 

Investigations by Wyre Council into chemical pollution from PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) found that soil samples from 71 Thornton-Cleveleys properties near an industrial site in the town had concentrations of the PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), part of the PFAS chemical family. 

PFOA has been identified as carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organisation. 

The properties tested in Thornton-Cleveleys are near the Hillhouse Enterprise Zone, which is currently run by AGC Chemicals and was previously occupied by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) until 1992. 

Testing carried out by Wyre Council and the Environment Agency found PFOA in “a majority of properties tested”, with the council telling the BBC that seven properties had been categorised as “high risk”.  

AGC Chemicals has said that while PFOA had been used at the Hillhouse site since the 1950s, the chemical was phased out from manufacturing processes by 2012.  

At the meeting on 21 May, the panel of experts leading discussions and answering residents' questions will include Dr Tony Fletcher and Dr David Megson, scientists with extensive experience and expertise on PFAS, and Leigh Day partner Sarah Moore, who leads the law firm’s investigations into PFAS pollution. 

Those wish to attend can RSVP via this link.  

Sarah Moore said: 

“Recent investigations by Wyre Council and the Environment Agency have identified levels of PFAS in soil from a number of properties in Thornton-Cleveleys, some of which have been labelled as “high risk”. This has naturally caused a great deal of concern among residents: We are bringing together a panel of experts who can address residents’ concerns in this meeting. We hope the panel will be able to provide the advice and information that residents are looking for, as well as outlining what steps can be taken towards legal action from the community should they wish to explore this. The meeting is free to attend, and all residents are welcome.”