A FIRE at the gas compressor station in Rixton would be very unlikely - but the results would be 'catastrophic'.

The detail is revealed in a new pollution and safety application.

The station compresses natural gas so that it can efficiently travel through the national supply.

And, understandably, the station on Moat Lane rates fire as the biggest danger - it is hooked up to the 4,300 mile national network of pipes, and it is in continuous operation.

The safety measures include surveillance, regular alarm tests, safety audits and a no smoking policy.

Security is also a big concern - the three-hectare site is protected by a high outer fence and an electrified inner fence.

Some paragraphs in the application are blanked out and designated 'confidential'.

As well as compressing the gas, the station is also powered by it, and it produces around 1.3m tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.

However, it has not been considered cost-effective to include the station in a £200m improvement programme that would cut emissions by around 70 per cent.

The application is one all sites must make to meet new integrated European permits on pollution control.