Representatives from a gas company wishing to store a potentially explosive substance on Canvey are to meet Castle Point councillors and residents.

Calor Gas has revealed it is interested in storing liquefied natural gas (LNG) at its premises in Thames Road.

The Evening Echo has reported that, should the gas leak, people could suffer second-degree burns as far away as 4,600ft - almost a mile - from resulting fires.

But company bosses say the substance poses "no greater risk" to residents than the current 35,000 tonnes of gas already held at the site.

The meeting is expected to take place on September 20, as long as planning committee members agree to it at a meeting next week.

A report to the committee said members of the Health and Safety Executive have been invited to attend the meeting but have declined.

Planning councillors are to meet on Tuesday, August 31, at the council offices in Kiln Road, Benfleet, at 7.30pm.

Published Tuesday August 24, 2004

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