A NORTH Hereford-shire paint plant, containing thousands of deteriorating drums of hazardous substances should be cleared urgently, the Environment Agency has warned.

Fire risks and solvent fumes are at the forefront of concerns raised by the EA over Agricote's Kington-based plant at the Old Piggery, Hergest.

A statement from the EA said: "The material including paints and solvents presents a significant potential hazard to neighbours and the environment, particularly in case of fire.

"The site and buildings have deteriorated with containers leaking to unmade ground and in close proximity to a watercourse.

"Given the risks we feel it should be cleared urgently."

The EA has now taken action to secure the site, once dubbed 'a ticking time bomb' by Kington residents, with security patrols and additional fencing.

"There is also evidence of unauthorised entry to the site which, given the fire risks and the evidence of solvent fumes, is of great concern," continued the statement.

Agricote was the subject of a public inquiry last summer after an appeal was launched against a refusal of retrospective planning permission for the plant.

Planning inspectors demanded the site was cleaned up including the removal of paint and other solvent based products.

A planning enforcement notice issued as a result of the inquiry meant Agricote had to remove material from the plant by the end of December last year, said the EA.

In June 2003 the EA confirmed Agricote did need a waste management licence due to the company's operations involving controlled waste and a notice was issued for all waste to be removed by early February 2004.

Both of the deadlines have not been met, the EA has claimed.

The EA also pointed out that the site does not have permission to operate and must close, and the plant has not been adequately supervised or maintained by the operator.

Herefordshire Council and the EA are now hoping to work closely to come to a permanent solution to clear the site.

The Hereford Times attempted to contact Agricote to discuss the ruling, but there was no-one at the company able to comment.