Lib Dems press for full biosecurity review at Compton

9.05.45am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 10th Oct 2007

Councillor David Rendel is calling for a full biosecurity review

West Berkshire Council's Liberal Democrat Group has backed calls for a full independent biosecurity review at Compton's Institute for Animal Health (IAH).

These fresh calls follow revelations from former contractor Steve Kendrew about the site's safety practices.

Liberal Democrat Councillor David Rendel outlined the Group's decision to call for a review;

"A full review could potentially prevent disease outbreaks or even save someone's life - this seems to be a very small price to pay. Mr Kendrew's concerns were both wide-ranging and serious; from leaking effluent drains, Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP) not maintained, regular flooding at Compton ETP to no Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) and a failure of the air pressure systems in bio-secure buildings. A thorough review will identify areas for improvement and provide reassurance to members of the public".

Group Leader Jeff Brooks added:

"It would seem that the site at Compton has been under-resourced and shortchanged by the government in terms of funding. Important lessons must be learned from nearby Pirbright and the added weight of a full biosecurity review will end arguments about possible risks posed to staff, communities or the environment."