Eling Wharf in Totton throws up some serious challenges. It is an employment site, but somewhat under utilised. The main access is via The High Street, a source of great irritation for those living in the area who have to suffer the noise and vibration from HGV movements at all times of the day and night.

Worse than this though, is the growing evidence that much of the land is seriously contaminated by chemicals and poisonous metals. It could be so bad that it might just be too expensive to put right, making the land permanently blighted as a potential residential area. I understand that construction on the site may not be possible because any piling might release poisonous metals into the nearby Eling Quay.

I understand that a report to the Cabinet at New Forest District Council will be making recommendations in July this year. For my part, I think that robust legal action should be taken against all potential culprits, the companies who used this site when this contamination occurred. I would not be unduly surprised if all the different companies deny responsibility. However, it should not be too hard to work out which businesses were likely to have used which chemicals and sue all of them, leaving a judge or negotiations to determine how liability is shared.

The true loss to the community may run into millions of pounds, either through the safe disposal of contaminated material (if that is possible) or the blighting of a potential prime site for housing.