By Morwenna Blake

RENEWED fears have been raised this week about possible anthrax spores at Westbury Leigh.

When plans were originally submitted for an 800-home development by Persimmon Homes four years ago, experts agreed that the old tannery was a potential source of the deadly anthrax spores.

The developers were not allowed to proceed with work until measures to ensure safety were agreed with the Environment Agency. The risk was underlined when two cows at Storridge Farm, Westbury Leigh, died from the disease.

In November 1999, the issue was raised again when a horse belonging to Rosie Irving, daughter of county councillor John Irving, was feared to be suffering from the disease. The Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food immediately placed a ban on the movement of livestock at Little Penleigh Farm, Dilton Marsh.

The 30-year-old horse later tested negative for the disease but ministry vet, Ralph Drouin, said that this could possibly be because of the quick administration of antibiotics to the animal.

Mr Drouin said: "It is not possible to completely rule out anthrax and because of the history of this area it would be sensible, if people are concerned, to stop animals drinking from the water course."

It is feared that excessive rain over the last two weeks could provoke further problems.

Cllr Irving said: "The situation we have up there would presumably be conducive to anthrax spores. There's also been work going on that could have stirred things up."

Martin Weiler of the Environment Agency said: "There are no problems that we have picked up since the bad weather."

A spokesman for Persimmon Homes said: "Although Persimmon Homes has found no evidence of anthrax contamination during the three years it has been carrying out tests on the site, the only way forward is to completely encapsulate the area."