FEARFUL residents have been asked to stop scare mongering about the safety of a building site.

FEARFUL residents have been asked to stop 'scare mongering' about the safety of a building site.

Last month the Weston & Somerset Mercury revealed how people living in Atlantic Road South were scared of the health risks arising from the potentially toxic development next to their houses.

Around 40 people turned up to a public meeting to voice their fears about what they believe to be an unusually high number of cancer cases in the area.

Their concerns stemmed from a report compiled in 2005, which revealed the soil on the area in Atlantic Road South, where there are plans to build 23 flats, contains six times the recommended safety levels of arsenic

However, Colin Warman, who lives next door to the area in question said at a further meeting on Tuesday everyone should calm down until they find some evidence to show the site is dangerous.

Mr Warman said: "I think people need to stop scare mongering. This whole issue is affecting the price of my house and it could all be unnecessary.

"I've lived here for six years and have no problems with my health."

Jackie Davies, who owns the Stanger School of Montessori opposite the site, said: "I am seriously considering closing or moving my business as I am so concerned about the health of the children at my nursery."

Councillor Andrew Horler attended the meeting at Elim Church in Atlantic Road and has agreed to arrange a get-together between residents and officials from North Somerset Council, the Health Protection Agency, the director of public health and possibly a representative of North Somerset Primary Care Trust to discuss their concerns.

Under safety regulations, the soil on the site is supposed to be dampened down before any work is carried out, to prevent dust being released, and vehicles wheels should be washed down before leaving the site.

However, a number of residents said they had seen work being carried out without any dampening down before hand.

In response, Cllr Horler advised them to take photos of work they may think is not being carried out under these regulations, which they can then use to back up any complaints they may make.