From The Observer newspaper, 16th November 1997

by David Harrison
Environment Editor

A giant cement factory, exposed by  the Observer as a polluter, has been accused of allowing hazardous fumes to penetrate the wards of a hospital where elderly patients are treated for lung problems.

Anti-pollution campaigners pointed at the Castle Cement plant after Environment Agency investigators found that the air pollution at three wards in the Clitheroe Hospital, Lancashire were well over the Government's recommended 'healthy' limits. One ward had a reading nearly three times the limit.

The report does not name the company but says the worst levels were reached when the wind was coming from the direction of the factory. An agency spokesman said there was 'a good chance' that Castle Cement was responsible. The company denied causing the pollution.

Castle Cement, part of the Scandinavian Scancem group, was fined £6,500 with £2,000 costs last month for four separate pollution offences, including exceeding emissions limits for particulate matter.

In July, the Observer reported that more than 100 Clitheroe people suffered from heart, liver and breathing problems - blamed on pollution from Castle Cement. Asthma cases in schools had risen to abnormal levels.

The Health & Safety Executive found that pipes and storage tanks for the toxic Cemfuel were badly corroded and there had been several leaks and spills at the plant.

The hospital survey, carried out over 30 days in June and July, found that Pendle Ward breached the safe limit on three days and came close on several others. Hodder Ward was over the limit one day and near it three times. Ribble Ward was above the limit on two days and came close on three others.

A hospital source said: 'How can we treat patients for respiratory problems when the wards are full of pollution?'

Campaigners and hospital staff are appalled by the findings and want an inquiry into the health problems in Clitheroe. Morris Hargreaves, who lives in the town, said: It's time the polluters were stopped or we'll end up with the factory being allowed to carry on poisoning us while the hospital is forced to close.'

Dr Stephen Morton, East Lancashire's director of public health, said necessary 'remedial action' would be taken and further inquiries made.

Michael Warhurst, Friends of the Earth's pollutions campaigner, said: 'The Government must send out a message that it will not tolerate companies who flout the pollution laws and play fast and loose with people's health.'

But, far from halting the pollution, the Deputy Prime Minister and Environment Secretary, John Prescott, has rejected an appeal to call-in the application by Castle Cement to reopen and extend a second quarry near the hospital. Campaigners are fighting for a judicial review of the decision.