AN application by a chemical company based in Cross Hills to stock "very toxic" products is causing concern among residents.

Airedale Chemical Company, based on Skipton Road, has applied to stock and dilute more than five tonnes of two "very toxic" products and stock and dilute more than 50 tonnes of a "toxic" product.

A spokesman for the family-run business, set up in 1973, said this week that due to "commercial confidentiality" the company would not be releasing details of the products.

But a group of concerned residents say they know the chemicals are formaldehyde, sodium bichromate and sodium cyanide.

Spokeswoman Gail Simon said: "All are potentially very harmful to people and the environment. However well run a plant might be, there is always the risk of accident. People fear leakage, spillage or explosion. Who and what might an accident affect?"

She added: "Even if the company is meeting all the requirements, we cannot get away from the possibility of an accident. The drama of Hemel Hemstead is still fresh in our minds. Human lives are so valuable, so vulnerable, should we really be unnecessarily adding to the risks we already face?"

A public notice was advertised in the Craven Herald on February 3 and letters to nearby households were due to be delivered this week.

Craven District Council planner Richard Preston said he had not seen a similar application in the 30 years he had worked at the council.

He said the company had gone through the correct procedures under the guidance of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).

He confirmed the application would be dealt with by the council's planning committee.

Appropriate bodies, including the Environment Agency, emergency services and the health and safety executive will be consulted before the application reaches the planners' table.

Mr Preston said the application had generated some interest and a few letters had been received. Representations can be made until March 6.