PEOPLE in Bishop's Cleeve could be breathing in dangerous dust from a hazardous waste site, according to new studies.

Damning reports show clear evidence of dust particles with the potential to cause asthma and respiratory problems lying around Wingmoor Farm.

Grundon Waste Management, which operates the site, has previously maintained all dust is contained within its boundaries.

It is applying to continue dumping hazardous material at the site for another 20 years.

However, two new studies carried out in the wake of the application have recorded levels of dust which campaign groups claim could be harmful.

Barbara Farmer, trustee of campaign group Safety in Waste and Rubbish Disposal, claims the studies "show beyond doubt" hazardous dust is escaping.

She said: "This has been denied for years by both Grundon and the Environment Agency.

"If this is what happens when the site is operating normally, what would happen if there were an accident?

"No one can predict the long-term impact of this additional chemical burden on our communities."

However, a spokeswoman for Grundon played down any health risks at the site.

She said: "Grundon has been carrying out dust sampling and monitoring on Wingmoor Farm for at least 12 years. This includes regular health checks on employees. All of the results indicate there are no risks to health or the environment from the site operations."

Health bosses in the county are unsure if living near the site is harmful to public health, with several studies still investigating the matter.

A study commissioned by the Environment Agency measured dust levels at eight sites within 250m of Wingmoor in 2008.

It found one reading "strongly associated" with dust and others where potentially hazardous dust was present.

The other study was carried out by scientist Dr Andrew Tubb, of Greenfield Science Ltd, who was commissioned by the Sward campaign group.

Dr Tubb said there was no doubt toxic dust, containing carbon, fly ash and heavy metals, was escaping.

He said: "The release of this material into the wider environment may be harmful to humans."

Concerned residents in Bishop's Cleeve attended a meeting organised by campaigners from Sward this week.

The 100-stong audience saw dramatic pictures and video footage of dust clouds blowing across Stoke Road towards homes and farmland.

Mother-of-two Jane Donne, who lives close to Wingmoor Farm, was horrified by what she heard.

She said: "They are running that operation and we are all in their hands.

"It is scary especially having two young children and not knowing what the possible health risks are."

Jane, who lives in Acacia Park, regularly finds dust on the garden furniture and windows.

"We have always had our suspicions about the dust, but now it has been confirmed. The pictures were awful."

Tewkesbury borough councillor Phil Taylor, who attended the Sward meeting, said: "It scared the bejesus out of me. Both reports by Sward's expert and the Environment Agency's show the dust is found 250m away.

"There are a lot of houses built within that distance. This has destroyed all of Grundon's credibility, in my view."

Ceri Jones, county councillor for Bishop's Cleeve, said the evidence was "overwhelming".

"I remember meetings where Grundon were quite clear the dust does not escape from the site. Here is the stark evidence which proves otherwise."

A decision on Grundon's application for 20 more years of operation at Wingmoor is due later this year.

OPINION, P8