A CHEMICAL pong which left residents afraid to open windows during the recent heatwave will be discussed at a meeting tonight.

Residents living around Unit 16 of Barnfield Business Centre are expected to pack a meeting of the Nelson Area Committee that will discuss a report on emissions from the site, some of which are low-risk carcinogens.

Individual residents and the Cloverhill Residents' Action Group have lodged a series of complaints with Pendle Council during the last two years about the odour and health concerns.

Ray Britner, of Beresford Street, said: "It's a terrible smell and it's very worrying.

"Our house is right behind the site and we directly overlook it. During the summer we couldn't even open our windows because the smell was so strong. I would like to see it stopped, because chemicals can cause all sorts of health problems."

Brian Jackson, Pendle Friends of the Earth co-ordinator, said he had been in contact with the frustrated residents on several occasions. He said: "I sympathise with them. Something needs to be done to keep the emissions away from homes."

The report to the committee, by the environmental health and urban renewal services manager, states the air around the site has been monitored and the levels of exposure to the toxic chemicals were found to be between 1/25 and 1/50 of the long-term occupational exposure limits.

It concludes that councillors could use nuisance neighbour legislation or planning rules to control the emissions, by insisting filtration plant be installed.

The meeting will be held at Nelson Town Hall at 7pm tonight. A spokesman for Excel said the company would reserve comment until after the meeting.