A CAMPAIGN group is calling for answers over fears a weed killer which was sprayed over land on Peel Hall could have a lasting and damaging impact on wildlife in the area.

Wendy Johnson-Taylor is one of number of residents who has raised concerns after a contractor was employed by developer Satnam to spray the former farmland in Houghton Green with a weed killer on April 15.

Campaigners also say drone footage captured the moment a bird was sprayed while trying to fly away from the site.

Mrs Johnson-Taylor said: "I don’t know if the powers that be can act on what took place that day. 

"We hope they can. 

"Many residents were horrified to watch that poor bird get caught the way she did. 

"One bird which may have been injured or killed on Saturday was one too many in our opinion."

Helen Jones, Warrington North MP, has also confirmed she has been contacted by a number of constituents and she shares their concerns. 

She added: "I have contacted the borough council’s chief executive and asked that he ensures Environmental Health conduct an urgent investigation into the matter."

But Colin Griffiths, from Satnam, has outlined how the spraying of the land 'is part of the planned and general estate management' and was linked to 'periodic complaints about noxious weeds'.

He added: “I understand the spraying of our land was carried out by a licensed contractor, using a recognised herbicide product which is safe to both wildlife and humans, and is part of our attempts to keep the site under control.

“Clearly it is of concern that local residents feel a need to interfere with contractors working on our land.

"This could lead to accidents and injury."

But any claims of trespassing were denied by Mrs Johnson-Taylor, who revealed the group will continue to monitor the impact of the spray.

To watch the drone footage click here or here.