New Mills residents told not to worry after chemical leak
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has said there is no danger to residents, and the situation has been handled
Residents in New Mills are being told not to worry about smelling gas in the area following a minor chemical leak which took place yesterday.
The leak occurred at Watford Bridge Industrial Estate, where emergency services attended the scene yesterday to deal with the situation. They remained in the area until around 10pm last night to ensure that the public's safety was prioritised, and made sure there was no threat to anyone in the area.
People were told to keep their doors and windows closed and were advised to remain indoors where possible, as the issue was dealt with.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue services attended the site again this morning after concerns from residents who could still smell the chemicals. Officers have said that the incident is nothing to be worried about now, but are glad that the public have erred on the side of caution.
It has been advised that anyone with underlying health conditions avoids the area, but that there are no health concerns for the majority of those around News Mills who have been able to smell the remaining chemicals.
Group manager for Derbyshire Fire Service Paul Hawker said:
"Yesterday we reacted really to social media comments that there was still a smell and a gas potentially in the area that people were reporting. It's probably caused quite a deal of commotion in the local area understandably." He added:
"There may still be smells in and around the area and that is because of the fact that the gas sits at a low level so it can be in pockets but it shouldn't be causing anybody any great medical effects and if they do have any then they should phone 111."
Two people who were exposed were taken to hospital briefly because of minor breathing irritations, but have experienced no lasting effects. Hawker noted:
"I suppose it's really unfortunate when people are affected by it, but accidents happen and that's what we're here for."
Derbyshire Fire Service has said that incidents like this are common, and in this case there is nothing to be concerned about.