SPECIALISTS monitoring radiation levels confirmed Pendle's clean bill of health on the tenth anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear power station disaster.

Tests are carried out every month by Brian Smith, of Pendle's environmental services to examine background radiation levels at Bull Holme playing fields, Barrowford.

Said Mr Smith: "We have been doing tests every month for years at a given location within Pendle along with all the other 14 local authorities in Lancashire.

"It is a monitoring exercise. The information collected can help us see if any area is affected should there be an accident anywhere."

The test on Friday was witnessed by Pendle councillor Mrs Jo Belbin, who is chairman of the Services committee.

She said: "We all hope that another event like Chernobyl will never happen again.

"However, we cannot afford to be complacent regarding the potential impact from radiation incidents.

"It is therefore essential that Pendle's Environmental Services and other Lancashire councils are in a position to monitor the local environment and offer prompt and well informed advice."

The Chernobyl anniversary was also chosen for the launch of a revised version of Operation Icarus, a handbook and plan for dealing with radiation emergencies in Lancashire.

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