Allotments closed due to presence of 'forever chemicals' in soil

Two allotment sites near a former industrial area in Thornton Cleveleys have been closed after tests found dangerous levels of persistent chemicals in the soil, prompting authorities to warn residents not to consume any homegrown produce while investigations continue.

Two allotment sites near a former industrial zone in Thornton Cleveleys are now officially closed, as part of an ongoing investigation into the contamination of soil with persistent chemical pollutants, commonly referred to as "forever chemicals." These sites have been found to contain high levels of dangerous substances, triggering immediate action from the local authorities.

Sites Affected

• Occupation Road allotments
• Sandringham Avenue allotments

Both allotment locations are situated in proximity to the site of a former ICI plant, an area historically associated with industrial activity. In light of the contamination, tenants of the affected plots have been instructed to remove all personal items and are being warned not to consume any produce grown at these sites.

Reason for Closure

The decision to close the allotments was confirmed by Wyre Council following guidance from the Environment Agency. Soil samples taken from the area revealed elevated levels of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), a type of perfluorinated chemical. PFOA is known to pose significant health risks to humans, and its presence in the soil has raised concerns about the safety of the local environment. According to Council Leader Michael Vincent, residents had already been advised against growing any fruits or vegetables at these allotments due to the contamination, and this formal closure is a critical step in addressing the issue.

Contaminated Land Designation

In response to the findings, the Occupation Road allotment site has now been officially classified as "contaminated land." The council has expressed concerns about the potential health risks posed by the PFOA levels found in both the shallow soil samples and the crops grown at the site. This poses a particular threat to allotment tenants, who are more likely to consume produce grown on their own plots. The Occupation Road site, which has seen limited use in recent years, will now remain undisturbed for an indefinite period, with no plans for construction or development until the contamination is fully addressed.

Michael Vincent emphasized that the cost of cleaning up the site will depend on identifying the responsible parties for the contamination. However, no conclusions regarding liability have been reached at this time.

Precautionary Measures at Sandringham Avenue

The Sandringham Avenue allotments, on the other hand, will continue to be managed under a precautionary framework until the results from further scientific analysis of soil samples are fully processed. In the meantime, residents within a 0.6-mile (1 km) radius of the contaminated sites are being warned not to consume any homegrown produce, particularly fruits and vegetables. Those who keep poultry, such as ducks or chickens, are also being advised against eating eggs produced on their property, as these could be contaminated with the same harmful chemicals.

Official Statements

Michael Vincent, speaking on the matter, remarked, "We had already informed residents who were renting allotments there to stop growing fruit and vegetables, but we had not formally closed the sites. We are now taking the formal step of closing them." This statement underlines the importance of the formal closure, which aims to prevent further exposure to the harmful chemicals and address the contamination comprehensively.

Further Information

For additional details, residents and other concerned parties are encouraged to visit the Wyre Council website. The council will provide further updates through local media, as well as social media channels such as BBC Radio Lancashire, Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Related Topics

• Homes at risk from contaminated soil
• Warnings about food grown near chemical sites
• Health concerns over consumption of eggs containing chemicals
• Cancer risks linked to persistent industrial pollutants

Sources:

• Allotments shut over 'forever chemicals' in soil - Yahoo News
• EA recommends Lancashire allotment be classified as UK's first PFAS contaminated land site - ENDS Report
• Further Steps Taken in Ongoing Multi-Agency Investigation - Wyre Council
• Allotments shut over 'forever chemicals' in soil