THERE is no evidence to suggest that industry in Clitheroe, including Castle Cement, has caused severe illness or death, a three-year study by East Lancashire Health Authority has found.

Dr Stephen Morton, director of public health, said: "It is not possible to say, on the basis of this data, that the industrial processes around Clitheroe do not carry any health risks at all.

"The technical difficulties in proving or disproving a link between environmental pollution and health effects are well recognised."

But he added: "The data examined shows no indication that any local industry, including the burning of Cemfuel at Castle Cement, causes severe illness or death.

"We cannot say with absolute certainty that some individuals are not affected.

"It may be that a small number of people are particularly sensitive to a range of pollutants, and they may experience physical effects from levels of pollution that don't affect the majority of the population."

Dr Morton, speaking at a meeting of Ribble Valley Council's community committee, said a similar report was carried out three years ago in response to the levels of concerns over health, particularly with regards to fuel used by Castle Cement.

At that time, Cemfuel had only been in use for a few years.

He added: "There was no evidence to suggest health had deteriorated as a result of its use, but we were asked to look again at the effects in three years time."

Welcoming the report, Coun Philip Nierop, of Bolton-by-Bowland, said: "This shows the Ribble Valley is not only a nice place to live, but a healthy one.

"The mindless minority may now take note of the report and what it says about emissions."

Coun Graham Sowter, of Billington, added: "This is a very welcome report and is all part of the Castle Cement saga.

"This factual information gives us a sound significant basis to refute some of the more exotic claims made in the future."

The report also reveals that Clitheroe has a relatively high rate of prescribing asthma medication, but states that this could be caused by a more active approach to the condition.

Some of the asthma medicine prescribed and therefore included in the data may not be used by the patient, suggests the report.

But it emphasises that evidence shows it is extremely unlikely to suggest that there is a higher prevalence of asthma in Clitheroe, or that it requires more treatment.

Dr Morton commented: "There is no evidence that air pollution causes asthma, but there is some evidence that air pollution may exacerbate the symptoms of asthma in a small number of patients."

The number of cancer sufferers in Clitheroe is higher than the regional average, suggests the report.

But this, it says, could be attributable to skin cancers.

Respiratory system cancers are lower than average, but the conclusions are based on a small number of cases and should be treated with caution.

Dr Morton indicated that the health figures do not indicate a need for a more detailed survey, but said that the health authority was committed to carrying out regular reviews of the area's health status.