We need special environmental protection against the impact of sewage, cancer chemicals and odour

An area around the north of Thornton and the southern part of Fleetwood could be considered for special environmental protection status.

Residents living in those areas are faced with a number of issues resulting from industrial developments which carry a potential impact on their health and wellbeing.

Wyre’s health profile reveals significant inequalities and a cluster of environmentally intensive sites along the Fleetwood–Thornton ‘industrial corridor’, including the Jameson Road Landfill Site and the Hillhouse/AGC chemical complex currently subject to Environment Agency investigations into PFAS/PFOA chemical contamination.

Investigations are currently under way by the Environment Agency and Wyre Council into the extent and effects of pollution by ‘forever chemicals’ known collectively as PFAS which have been linked to cancer.

Additionally, there is the sewage treatment plant runs by United Utilities at Fleetwood, two gas peaking plants (fast-starting power stations) on the Hillhouse site and Thornton Waste Treatment Plant in the area, run by Lancashire Renewables.

Another concern is the proposal for a new waste incinerator which was approved at Lancashire County Council last year, in close proximity to residential housing.

Councillor Victoria Wells has called for Wyre Council to formally adopt a Health Vulnerability Zone (HVZ) framework within its Local Plan to cover the area. She says the accumulation of so many industrial activities that carried potential environmental impact, as a whole, makes the area a special case.

Health Vulnerable Zones are geographical areas with high pollution risks (like industrial zones) which would require extra attention for air quality and other types of monitoring.

‘Essential’

Cllr Wells previously said: “There needs to be recognition that there is an industrial corridor in the area which has the potential to impact on the environment and people’s health. It has already been established that the number of people in the area with respiratory health issues is bigger than the UK average.

“If there are factors which could exacerbate that, then I think it is essential that the establishment of a Health Vulnerable Zone for this area is factored into Wyre’s new Local Plan. Adopting HVZs and mandatory Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) will enable Wyre Council to proactively manage cumulative industrial and environmental health risks.

“It would position Wyre as a national leader in integrating health equity into planning, while providing clear guidance for responsible developers and reassurance for residents affected by long-term industrial pressures.”