Gas station bosses want-ing to store an explosive substance on Canvey will meet with Castle Point councillors and residents in an attempt to reassure them.

The move comes after Calor Gas revealed it was interested in storing liquified natural gas (LNG) at its premises in Thames Road.

Should the gas leak, studies have shown people would get second degree burns as far away as 4,600 feet - almost a mile - from the resulting fires.

However, the firm's chiefs have said the substance poses "no greater risk" to residents than the current 35,000 tons of liquified gas already held at the site, which it was originally designed to hold.

Canvey councillor Ray Howard is pleased with the company's decision to meet with concerned residents.

He said: "I cannot comment in detail on my feelings about this, as this is against the law and would result in me not being allowed to attend any subsequent meetings about the issue."

Published Thursday August 5, 2004

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