Experts test village for pollution

Work was due to start today to assess an area of potentially contaminated land in Shropshire.

Environment Agency experts hope to establish whether an industrial solvent has seeped into water-bearing rocks below the former RAF site at Tern Hill, near Market Drayton.

Officials say the aim is to ensure safety for people whose domestic water comes from private groundwater supplies.

The investigations at Warrant Road are expected to take four weeks.

Traces of contamination were found during routine sampling of a groundwater borehole approximately 1.5km to the south west of the Tern Hill site.

The main substance identified was Trichloroethylene (TCE), an industrial solvent that was used at metal working and engineering sites to degrease metals.

Councillor Keith Newby, portfolio holder for the environment at North Shropshire District Council, said: "There is no cause for concern to residents using mains supply water.

"The council is now working with the Environment Agency to assess the implications of any possible contamination ensuring that north Shropshire strives to become a cleaner, safer and greener district. There is, however a minimal risk to those who receive their drinking water from a private well or borehole."