AFTER reading in the paper about the proposed development of the 'historic tannery site' in Strensall (February 27), I felt the need to air my thoughts.

Although this may be a leap of imagination, did not the new series of Heartbeat have a story about anthrax starting from digging on an historical tannery site? The claim was that spores of the disease were living in the contaminated soil and became airborne during the digging out of building foundations. Surely this must have some basis in fact?

My grandfather brought a similar problem to light many years ago, in relation to the graves on Station Road, preventing their disturbance and possibly a public health risk.

Is it possible this same risk could be run in the opening of the tannery site? Should someone check this prior to commencement of building? No good waiting until after an outbreak has started.

Miss Matthewman,

Kingsway North,

York.

Updated: 12:55 Thursday, March 04, 2004