CONCERNS over public health in Victoria way have led the town council to put pressure on the district council to do more.

CONCERNS over public health in Victoria way have led the town council to put pressure on the district council to do more.

Town councillor Steve Gazzard of had raised concerns that unknown stocks of dangerous materials in some businesses along Victoria Way and the practice of spray painting could put passers-by at risk.

A fire at R and R motors in February saw acetylene cylinders explode in the intense heat, forcing fire crews to set up a 200-metre cordon and evacuate hundreds.

Cllr Gazzard said that the fire revealed that the council had no real idea what chemicals were being stored and called on Environmental Health officers to investigate.

The District Council replied that 'this project will not be achieved in the short term given our existing work load, but we will do what we can...'

While head of planning Kate Little said she would refer the mater to environmental health officers.

But members of the Regeneration and General Purposes Committee last Monday backed Cllr Gazzard and said the reply 'wasn't good enough.'

They asked town clerk John Wokersien to pen a letter reiterating their concerns and that it should be given 'top priority.'

Cllr Gazzard said: "We were not happy with the reply. What they basically said was that because of the work load it was not a top priority.

"We were all extremely disappointed and we think it should be pushed to the top of the list.

"I was walking down Langerwehe Way recently and there was a young couple with a tiny baby in the pram.

"Fumes from spray painting were coming out of the vents from a building on the other side of the road - they said to me 'this can't be right?'

"They would be contacting environmental health, to have a look, but I will believe it when I see it.