Campaigners have backed demands for a full independent inquiry after defence chiefs admitted disposing of low-level radioactive waste at New Ranges in Shoebury.

Mike Assenheim, Shoebury Residents' Association chairman, called for the top-level investigation to allay the fears of local people.

The Ministry of Defence has stressed the amount of radioactivity in the material disposed of at the testing base had been miniscule.

However, Southend councillors and MP Sir Teddy Taylor are still seeking a meeting with Defence Secretary, Geoff Hoon, to talk over their concerns.

Mr Assenheim said: "A lot of people are going to be upset at this latest news.

"Some five years ago, there was a rumour from New Ranges regarding radioactive materials which prompted the residents' association to take up the matter.

"We pursued the matter and were assured and convinced by the Ministry of Defence there was no radioactivity on the site.

"The Ministry now states that any radioactive waste there is absolutely minute. If this has been going on for years, minute becomes big."

Mr Assenheim urged people not to panic but insisted a public inquiry was needed to restore faith in the Ministry of Defence.

He added: "We must be cautious, especially now the Defence, Evaluation and Research Agency wants to build 250 new homes on part of the site together with a business which plans to grow food produce."

Mr Assenheim also pledged to quiz defence officials on the matter at a meeting on May 8.

The high explosive material from decommissioned nuclear bombs is said to have been taken to the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency site in Shoebury for disposal by detonation.

A spokesman for the MoD said the levels of radioactive waste dumped at Shoebury were "absolutely minute and not sufficient to classify the explosives as being radioactive.

"However we are required to treat it as low-level radioactive waste."

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