A COUNCILLOR has said the possible presence of traces of the deadly disease anthrax should scupper controversial proposals for a new travellers’ site.

The scheme for a temporary transit plot at Futures Park in Bacup has provoked strong local opposition.

A July public meeting with Valley MP Jake Berry at the AB&D Centre in the town was dominated by residents’ concerns about the scheme.

Mid-Rossendale county councillor David Foxcroft has now highlighted concerns about the possible contamination of the site in an environmental audit prepared for a 2013 plan for a bike trail at the location.

It identifies leather waste which can contain spores of anthrax, a deadly cattle and sheep disease which can be passed to humans.

The spores can survive for decades.

The report for the cycle centre, which was never developed, says: “A decision was made in consultation with Rossendale Borough Council to avoid penetrating the area of leather waste in case biological pathogens (anthrax) are present.”

It adds that while ‘the potential for biological contamination (anthrax spores) cannot be discounted’ there was no sign of it in local groundwater.

But it warns: “Disturbance of the leather wastes could feasibly result in the release of and exposure to viable pathogens (anthrax spores).”

Cllr Foxley said: “This report is extremely disturbing.

“There are many good reasons against a travellers’ site at Futures Park but the possible presence of anthrax, a deadly disease, should scupper it for good," Cllr Foxley added.

“I believe the bike trail did not proceed because of the cost of cleaning up the land.

“If the travellers site went ahead I would be worried about the health of those using it.”

A council spokesman said: “It is not unusual to find some contamination on previously developed sites. Any potential issues identified in consultants’ reports would need to be addressed as part of a remediation strategy.

“We would liaise with key partners such as the Environment Agency to ensure that any risks to the public are minimised.

“As a landowner we take seriously our responsibility to manage our land safely. Creating a trail head centre is still a priority for us.”

An Environment Agency spokesman said: “We would be consulted and we would offer advice and guidance to the local authority.

“In the case of anthrax this is likely to be around the treatment process .”

Public Health England guidance says: “There is no evidence of any worker or member of the public being infected with anthrax as the results of development of brownfield sites including abattoirs and tanneries.

“Anthrax disease in humans is very rare in the UK and is associated with imported animal products and infected animals.”

Between 1981 and 2009 there were 19 cases of anthrax in UK humans resulting in one death.