Alix
Bell - 21-Sep-2006 - The Environment Agency has
completed the first stages of its environmental
assessment at Westy Park.
This first phase has involved
gathering information to find out more about how
it was used and what material might have been
tipped there. The inspection builds on the information
obtained from a study by Warrington Borough Council
in 2001.
The report, known as a ‘desk
study’, collates all the information currently
known about the previous uses of the park. It
shows all the known and likely pollutants on the
site and makes an initial assessment of their
likely significance with regard to the both the
environment and the public.
The Environment Agency and the
Council have contacted local residents to inform
them that the report is completed and they will
be available to discuss the findings of the report
at Westy Community Centre on 22 and 29 September
between 4.30pm and 7.00pm.
The Council confirms that the park remains open
for walking, recreation and general exercise.
However, as a precautionary measure, the park
is currently not being used for football or rugby
matches, for non-essential activities involving
vehicles on the park or for the erection of tents
or marquees.
Gwen Scott, the Environment
Agency's Environment Manager for Cheshire, said:
"Now we have completed the first stage of
our environmental assessment of Westy Park we
are on our way to establishing how the site has
been affected by its former use as a waste disposal
facility. We are currently in discussions with
the council to identify what the next stages of
works should include."
Phil Woods, the Environmental
Protection Manager for Warrington Borough Council
said "We recognise the importance of the
park to the local community and we are keen to
address any environmental issues associated with
its former use as quickly as possible. While,
the strict legal process that we are obliged follow
has taken some time, we are confident that the
study that we are now undertaking with the Environment
Agency will give us the information we need to
move forward".
