A chemical company has sought to reassure angry residents that storing extra chemicals will not endanger their safety.

A packed public meeting at Cross Hills last week heard company representatives from Airedale Chemicals defend their application to store up to 65 tonnes of formaldehyde and 10 tonnes of sodium bichromate.

Several residents expressed concern at the history of the company, accusing it of leaving security gates open at night and disrupting residents' lives just to make money.

Glusburn Parish Council organised last Thursday's event, at St Peter's Church Hall, in response to concerns expressed by residents.

Several activists have set up a protest group -- Safe Lives -- opposing the plans, which would see the amount of formaldehyde allowed at the site to increase from 50 to 65 tonnes.

The company would also be allowed to double the amount of sodium bichromate from 5 to 10 tonnes. The company has now submitted the application to Craven District Council. However, a specialist report from the Health and Safety Executive is needed before any decision can be made.

Manager of Airedale Chemicals John Ciesielski fielded a barrage of questions at the meeting.

Mr Ciesielski dismissed claims that sodium cyanide also formed part of the application.

He said: "We are trying to assist the local community where we can. All the discharge is monitored by Yorkshire Water.

"I live half a mile from the biggest chemical factory in Bradford and my daughter goes to school 400 metres from a factory. I put my trust in the companies running the factories."

However, one resident said: "All our lives will be disrupted so this company can carry on making megabucks."

The company has promised to arrange an open day for residents to show them around the site, which is located off the A629 trunk road, in Cross Hills.