A SCHOOL can be built on a former Newport landfill site without any risk to health - despite "hot spots" of arsenic and mercury - according to a risk assessment of the area.

But the report on the Glebelands, by independent specialist adviser Jason Clay, also recommended further data collection to confirm the site is safe.

Newport council enlisted the help of Mr Clay, of URS Corporation, after the Children's Commissioner for Wales advised against building a replacement for Durham Road Schools on the site because not enough was known about the risks.

The Commissioner, Peter Clarke, cited a study which attempted to link congenital abnormalities in children with living close to landfill sites.

But URS said the study was inconclusive, and irrelevant to the Glebelands issue because that landfill was closed 30 years prior to those used in the research.

After conducting a risk assessment, URS concluded: "There is no reason on human health grounds why the site cannot be redeveloped for the stated purpose once suitable remedial works have been undertaken."

But it recommended the following actions:

sampling across the development area to inspect materials buried there and analyse potential contaminants

a number of ground gas monitoring wells

preparation of a remediation strategy document by the developers that states how remediation shall be achieved.

The report will go before the Newport council's cabinet in open session on Thursday. David Griffiths, the council's chief education officer, said: "The report has yet to be considered by council and they will make the decision of whether to go ahead."

But Chris Hill, spokesman for the Glebelands Action Group which is protesting against the school plans, said: "The report is telling the people of St Julian's what we already know and that is this land is very contaminated.

"In essence, the report states that there needs to be more tests. This will not prove there are no health risks to the children and teachers who will attend the school; that will never be certain.

"We desperately need a new school where our children will be safe and we believe that the words of Peter Clarke need to be listened to more carefully."

St Julian's councillor Fred Sweeting said he would need to see the report before giving a full response, but added: "They say there would be no human risk, but I want it to be no risk at all."

PICTURE: Members of the Glebelands Action Group who fear that a new report could lead to a school being built on the former Newport landfill site, which they believe is contaminated. From the left are Brian Donovan, chairman John Martin, David Thorndell, Gareth Hill and Chris Hill