A DOCTOR fears that the re-development of Greenalls Distillery could put the lives of nearby residents in danger.

Homeowners on Stafford Road, which is about 50 metres from the factory, are anxious about the re-siting of the manufacturer's storage plant.

The Loushers Lane site was destroyed in a massive fire two years ago.

And Dr Moira McCaffer believes a repeat of the £40 million distillery blaze in October 2005 could have devastating consequences for residents.

She said: "Householders were evacuated for 48 hours as there was a danger of explosion from compressed gas cylinders.

"I have a PhD in chemistry and I am fully aware of the highly flammable nature and suffocating effects of ethyl alcohol.

"If there was another incident of a similar scale, our safety and property would be jeopardised."

Six large capacity tanks are visible from Stafford Road houses, each around 20 metres in height and varying in capacity from 2,000 to 5,000 litres.

The teacher added: "To me, they just look far too near these properties."

Dr McCaffer has asked Warrington Borough Council to look into these safety issues.

Richard Evans, from the council's development control department, said: "Planning officers have investigated this issue and, from a planning point of view, these tanks aren't contravening any planning law and they are within all height restrictions."

Greenalls does not require new planning permission because it is rebuilding an existing factory.

A spokesman for G&J Greenalls said: "Every possible measure is taken on the G&J Greenalls site to ensure the highest levels of heath and safely are adhered to and the site is fully compliant with current legal requirements. To date, we have had one safety inquiry from a resident and all their questions were answered by our site manager and they have been invited to tour the site at anytime."