Chemic clearance behind ‘TCP’ smell
FLORA BYATT & BILL JACOBS
AMYSTERY antiseptic smell hanging over part of a town has been solved.
The odour, described as ‘like TCP fluid’, began scenting the air unpleasantly around New Lane, Oswaldtwistle, earlier this month.
An investigation traced the source of the smell to the former Eagle Chemical Works at the junction of New Lane with Nook Lane and Grove Street.
The site, known locally as ‘The Chemic’, was being cleared by contractors for a new housing development.
Now council environmental health officers have ruled the smell ‘nonhazardous’ and ordered the covering of the debris with sheeting prior to its removal for specialist disposal.
Oswaldtwistle’s County Coun Peter Britcliffe contacted the Accrington Observer over the issue.
Speaking last week, he said: “It’s been there for about two weeks and we were worried about whether it was hazardous and could be a health risk.
“We contacted Hyndburn council and have traced it to a long-closed works near the junction with Nook Lane and Grove Street known as ‘The Chemic’.
“It appears that it follows clearing the ground for a new housing development and disturbing the soil.
“It really wasn’t a very pleasant smell so I contacted the council who sent environmental health officers to investigate.
“The pile of debris from the work will now be covering with sheeting and then taken away for specialist disposal.”
A Hyndburn council spokesperson said last week: “The council has recently become aware of the odour emanating from the New Lane area of
Oswaldtwistle.
“Working with a landowner and contractor the source has been identified.
“Following initial tests the council can reassure residents the odour is not believed to be hazardous and arrangements have been made to remedy the source.
“Residents should notice an improvement within the next 48 hours.”
One nearby resident said: “We noticed the smell of antiseptic over a week ago.
“It really was pretty unpleasant and worrying.”