INVESTIGATORS are concerned about the amount of benzene in the ground in Leftwich. And they are pledging to leave 'no stone unturned' as they investigate a possible connection between the deaths of two children from a rare form of leukaemia to the area around their homes. Further air, soil and gas samples have been taken from land in Leftwich around the former Muir Group homes of two toddlers, Rebecca Watts, aged 19 months, and Sharon Pymer, 17 months, who died from Acute Myeloid Leukaemia within months of each other. Environmental consultants carrying out the tests have identified additional sites where other chemicals are present below the soil surface. Cllr Dennis Ford, lead councillor for environmental health, said: 'There are no immediate concerns in terms of health, but we are concerned about the levels of benzene below ground and we want to find the source. 'More sampling will be carried out along with a risk assessment to determine whether there is need for a clean-up exercise or some form of remediation.' John Watts, Rebecca's father, said: 'A concentration of 70% methane was found in the borehole in my garden which is a worry. 'A tracer gas was pumped through three houses and it was discovered that the gas membrane, installed in the houses to prevent gases from entering the properties, was not working properly. A risk assessment is being carried out.' More investigations will be carried out over the coming weeks and Dr Russell Keenan, a consultant paediatric haematologist and a member of the incident team, said: 'I share the benzene concerns. 'This in itself is not considered to pose a risk to health at present, but it needs to be fully investigated.' But Dr Alex Stewart from the Health Protection Agency added: 'In terms of human health the incident team have not found any chemicals at levels to which people are exposed, that give rise to concern.' Do you think chemicals in the soil could increase cancer rates? Telephone: 01606 42272 E-mail: midcheshire.news | 
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