RESIDENTS say that any new school built on a toxic site at Glebelands, Newport, would be a threat to their children's safety.

Developers working on a new Durham Road school plan failed last night to convince them the playing fields site is the right place for it.

The firm Vinci is applying for planning permission to build a primary school on the site earmarked 15 years ago to replace Durham Road junior and infants school.

But as the deadline for starting work approaches, thirty protesters at last night's public meeting in St Julian's Methodist Church hall said they still thought the site would put children's safety at risk.

If proposals are approved by Newport City Council planning committee, building could start in May.

Officials insisted last night the contaminated ground beneath the site would be cleared and guranteed safe for 25 years, with an under-floor barrier planned, along with a soil capping layer. They said the waste under the ground consists of metals and oils, with some methane and carbon dioxide being produced.

But a number of residents and campaigners are still worried about the safety of the former landfill site.

Brian Donovan, from the Glebelands Action Group, said: "I've got three grandchildren, and I wouldn't want them going there. They can't make this site 100 per cent safe."

Chris Hill, also from the Action Group, said: "The long term effects won't be known for perhaps 50 years. We want a school, but not on this site."

There are also fears the number of lorries going through the area would cause disruption and safety problems.

The firm's preferred method of bringing in building materials would be straight off junction 25 of the M4.

But this would mean building a temporary road through part of the park, near the spot where children play.

Alternatively, about 120 lorries a day would have to use Turner Road.

Outline planning permission for the new schools was given in 2000 despite fears about the land being a health hazard, and in 2003 the Environment Agency said soil tests and drainage at the site were "acceptable".

In 2004 the design, access arrangements and measures to prevent the contamination of groundwater were also approved.

Developers are confident the plans will be approved.

If not, the planning consent will run out and planning applications will need to be resubmitted - causing further delays.

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