CRICKLADE residents are objecting to plans to build a chemical storage facility that would see toxic chemicals transported through the town.

Thor Developers wants to create 2,640 sq metres of industrial warehousing approximately 10 units at the Chelworth Industrial Estate so Lansdown Chemicals can store its products there.

Residents say the town's roads cannot cope with any more heavy traffic and that toxic chemicals should not be taken through residential areas.

Some of the 30 substances which could be stored at the facility are:

Dichlorobenzidine dihydrochloride which is harmful in contact with skin, may cause cancer and may cause long-term damage to aquatic environments

Tepic granular which is toxic by inhalation, may cause genetic damage and may cause long-term damage to aquatic environments

Free hydroxylamine irritating to respiratory system and skin, there is a risk of serious damage to the eyes and heating may cause explosion

Stephen Brudenell, an IT manager, lives on Chelworth Road where lorries pass by to reach the Chelworth Industrial Estate. He said: "Our house is about half a mile from the proposed site. I just don't want to live near it.

"The chemicals would have to be transported along narrow roads and through the town which is already subject to heavy lorry traffic. What would happen if there was a spillage? How would it be contained?

"Cricklade only has a retained fire station and the emergency services would have to be equipped to deal with a chemical emergency.

"There should be something more than a standard planning application to consider something like this."

If the plans were accepted 20 jobs would be created.

The Evening Advertiser contacted Lansdown Chemicals but nobody at the company was able to comment.

The town council is not supporting the application but it is ultimately up to North Wiltshire District Council to decide if the application goes ahead.

If the district council receives more than five letters of objection, the application has to be considered by councillors on the planning committee and not by officers.