Best safe than sorry (From Stroud News and Journal)

Best safe than sorry

A THREATENED chemical disaster had all three emergency services racing to the scene on Monday afternoon.

Within minutes six fire engines from Stroud, Nailsworth and Gloucester including the specialist Environmental Protection Unit, two police cars, an ambulance and a pair of unmarked cars arrived in Stroud's London Road.

The area was cordoned off but the leak was soon discovered to have been caused by a ten litre canister which had fallen over, spilling almost half of its contents onto the road leading up from the Brunel Mall car park. The contents were unidentified but believed not to be dangerous.

Fire service Assistant Divisional Officer Nathan Travis dismissed suggestions that the emergency services over-reacted.

"I don't want to sound apocalyptic but if it was something like sarin gas it only takes a small amount to become airborne and you have a big problem," he said.

He said the fire service had a standard response to any chemical leak or spillage and did not want to take risks with public safety.

He said:"It is better to be safe than sorry."