‘No evidence’ of chemical spill in canal after blaze
The environment Agency has said there’s no evidence to suggest a large amount of chemicals seeped into a canal after a huge blaze at an industrial estate.
More than 50 firefighters tackled the raging blaze at the Adamson Industrial estate on Croft Road in hyde on Saturday night.
A number of business units were destroyed as the flames reached three separate brick buildings at the site.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said a large amount of chemicals were stored within the estate, which is next to a stretch of the Peak Forest Canal.
The environment Agency was called to assist and advised the fire service over pollution control measures.
One chemical believed to have been used on site was sulphuric acid.
But the environment Agency said investigations found nothing to suggest the canal has been badly polluted.
A spokesman said Ph levels in the water were normal and there are no signs of impact on wildlife.
In a statement, the environment Agency said: “We have been assisting Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service in their response to a large fire on Adamson industrial estate in hyde, which occurred Saturday night.
“Due to its close proximity to a canal, the environment Agency advised the fire service on pollution control measures to limit the impacts of any potential risks to the local environment.
“This included the use of an environmental protection unit.
“We would like to thank Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service for their fantastic work to check the potential seepage of chemicals into the adjacent canal, these investigations concluded there is no evidence to suggest large amounts of chemicals have entered the canal.
“Ph levels of the canal are normal and there are no signs of damage to wildlife.
“We worked closely with the fire service during this incident and adhered to current advice from the government regarding Covid19.”
The fire service meanwhile has now left the scene.
A specialist fire investigator was due to return to the site yesterday in a bid to determine a cause.
We ARe in the middle of a pandemic which has changed our day to day lives beyond recognition.
In most cases this has brought out the best in people as we clap our NhS heroes together from the doorstep and look out for one another.
Sadly, it has also brought out the worst in others evidenced by the rising number of scams trying to cash in on the COVID-19 crisis.
One high street bank standing firm against the fraudsters, however, is NatWest as they highlight what to watch out for and how to stay safe.
The bank is providing communities with advice and support about the latest scams to help people recognise them and protect themselves.
Janat hulston, managing director of personal banking Midlands, east, South West and Wales for NatWest said: “We know scammers are using this current period of uncertainty as an opportunity to try and take advantage of the general public and their worries.
“We’ve seen an increase in criminals exploiting the coronavirus and using this as part of their scam tactics.”
The banking expert goes on to give some top tips to stay safe with her main advice being to ‘stay alert to any suspicious behaviour’.
here are five scams to look out for according to NatWest:
FAKE CURES
Of course we are all waiting for news of a medical solution to the pandemic but don’t be fooled by bogus messages about a cure.
These emails pull at the heart strings and claim there’s a cure that’s been covered up by various governments.
Advisers have seen a number of variations of this scam but it’s likely it will ask you to click a link to receive more information about the cure.
Do not click on this link as it’ll take you to a webpage that captures your bank login information.
WHO IMPERSONATION EMAILS
Sometimes they will try to get people to trust them by impersonating valid sources of information.
Scammers are sending out emails that look like they come from trusted organisations, such as the World health Organisation (WhO).
An attachment in the email claims to provide safety measures to combat coronavirus but opening it actually infects your device with malware.
This will then monitor your online activity and capture vital information they can use.
CORONAVIRUS TAX REFUND
Money is going to be tight for many of us with paycuts and furlough rife in the workforce.
however, don’t let that blindside you when it comes to taking care online.
Criminals are currently bombarding mailboxes with emails saying you’re entitled to a tax refund due to coronavirus – but it’s a trick.
hMRC will never contact you by email to discuss tax refunds, so please don’t click or respond.
Instead report emails like this to phishing@hMRC.gov.uk.
PURCHASE SCAMS
Janat Hulston
If there’s one piece of advice that still rings true it’s this - if something looks too good to be true, it usually is.
With that in mind watch out for emails, ads, posts, texts or phone calls advertising anything to do with coronavirus. Whether that’s facemasks being given away, vaccines or access to a testing kit, it could be a scam and get you into a difficult position.
Some claim to be from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or WhO and request Bitcoin payments.
You’ll be told that you’re donating towards a cure or paying for essential coronavirus information.
These approaches are very likely to be a scammer trying to get their hands on your money or personal details.
OFFERS TO MAKE QUICK MONEY
There has been a huge increase in criminals trying to lure people into becoming money mules through ‘get rich quick’ job offers during these uncertain times.
Again if a job ad looks too good to be true then proceed with caution.
The personal consequences of allowing criminals to pay money through your account can be lifechanging.
Always reject any offers of cash to let someone else use your bank account as it’s simply not worth it.
For further information from NatWest on how you can protect yourself, personal customers can click here and business customers click here.