Last updated 16:08, Wednesday, 03 September 2008

A DECISION will be made next week on controversial plans to store a highly toxic herbicide at the Port of Workington.

Cumbrian Storage has applied to Allerdale Council to store 4,500 tonnes of Paraquat Dichloride, a substance that is highly toxic if inhaled, slightly toxic on the skin and can be fatal if swallowed.

Councillors will discuss the plans when they meet at next Tuesday’s development panel, but officers have recommended that councillors refuse the application.

Several letters of objection about the plans have been sent to the council.

Workington MP Tony Cunningham is among the objectors, fearing that the entire area will be blighted at a time when there are plans for the development of the area for housing and tourism.

There have been numerous objections including one from Workington Town RL Club. The port adjoins the River Derwent home to salmon and trout fisheries.

However, three letters of support have been received including ones from CPL Petroleum and Pentagon Chemicals.

In the officer’s report to councillors, it says: “The storage of paraquat dichloride at the Port of Workington is likely to deter future investment, regeneration aspirations and the provision of a sustainable community in the Workington harbour.”

At Allerdale’s development panel meeting in February, councillors said they could not make an informed decision because crucial information had been omitted in the interests of “national security” so they deferred their decision.

This information has now been submitted.

Paraquat has been banned for use but not storage prior to export outside Europe from July 11, 2008.