AN East Lancashire chemical company is to be prosecuted over the release of a cloud of hydrochloric acid gas from its Church works four months ago.

William Blythe Ltd was served with a summons by the Health and Safety Executive yesterday.

The prosecution follows a site incident on the morning of March 20 in which an hydrochloric acid mist was accidentally released from its Bridge Street works into the Hyndburn area.

A Blythe spokesman said: "The company has made considerable efforts to co-operate with the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency during the course of extensive investigations into the incident and very much regrets the nuisance caused to the local community.

"The company will continue to place considerable emphasis on safety, health and environmental issues to operate in a safe and clean manner as a responsible partner in the community."

The summons has been issued under the Health and Safety at Work Act, and the company is due to appear before Hyndburn magistrates on Monday August 4.

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