The ruling Tory group on New Forest District Council have come under fire for failing to designate Eling Wharf as a polluted site.

At a meeting of New Forest Council this week, Councillor David Harrison, the member for Totton South blasted the ruling Tory group for adopting a softly, softly approach. He said “This is a seriously contaminated site. Whilst no weapons of mass destruction have been found, all sorts of toxic chemicals have been, including arsenic and cyanide. The site is polluted and should be designated as such.”

The District Council has declined to designate the site, preferring to work with the land owner, Burt Bolton Holdings who have agreed to organise a clean-up. They defended the decision saying that they had received legal advice from a top lawyer which suggested this was the best way forward.

Councillor Harrison was scornful of the decision saying “I recall the last time the District Council hid behind legal advice, - it led to the loss of about £300,000 of taxpayer’s money on the slippery floor case {prompting Tory groans}. Lawyers advice but Councillors decide. I have no confidence that this company will now behave responsibly; we should designate this land for what it is….. a heavily polluted area”.