FOLLOWING my concern (Letters, August 12) about the proposed housing development on land behind Billington Post Office that was once a tip for domestic waste, I have had no response from Ribble Valley Council.

However, I have learned that although this has been classed as a Victorian tip, tipping was still taking place in the early Twenties. Also, I have learned that the matter now lies with the developers, Holden Homes.

Therefore, I ask them whether, in view of the recent scientific report on the potential dangers of these domestic dumps, they intend to remove all the tip or just the area which they wish to develop. Surely, all the tip must be removed. Otherwise, any part that is left after the tip has been opened could be a hazard to property built on the site.

What safeguards will be taken to make sure that all materials from the tip will be carried away and be no threat to the people of the village and surrounding area? Also, the plans for traffic-calming measures in Billington include a car park behind the Post Office. What if this space is found to be on land that is part of the tip? Even at this late stage, the committee who drew up the calming plans should look at them again in case alterations need to be made.

The people of Billington have a right to have these questions answered.

And although it may be that we have lived near this tip for years and never complained, only now are we aware of the dangers of these dumps. We may be late in the day, but these dumps were made through ignorance of any dangers to the future.

Surely, we must not let the ignorance of the past jeopardise the future of tomorrow.

JOSEPH SYKES (Mr), Calder Avenue, Billington.

FOOTNOTE: Spokesman for Ribble Valley Council Carol Harrison said: "A planning application to build 57 houses on the land behind Billington Post Office was approved in March, 1998. The developers, Holden Homes, will be required to carry out any work to usual building standards."

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