9:25AM, Thu Nov 17, 2011

Airport Investigates 'Fuel Dump' In Heddon-On-The-Wall

By Simon Elliott Location: Heddon-On-The-Wall

Newcastle Airport authorities are investigating whether a plane dumped fuel on Heddon-on-the-Wall.

Residents of the village are convinced an incoming flight dropped aviation fuel over the gardens and roofs of Aquila Drive on Saturday morning.
The Civil Aviation authority has also launched a separate investigation to the airport’s own enquiry but residents feel there is little to investigate with only one explanation for the kerosene like liquid that covers around 80 ft of the street.
Edith Simpson, 72, said: “It was everywhere, I couldn’t believe it. It has to have come from a plane – there is no other explanation.
“I’ve just had a load of bricks delivered and they have a plastic sheet over them and there was fuel all over the top of the plastic sheet.
“I just think it’s awful and extremely dangerous. There is a primary school just literally down the road, what would have happened if it landed on the kids when they were out playing?
“It has to be fuel because you can smell it. I ran my hands over the grass on my lawn and it was sticky. You could smell fuel on my hands afterwards. I’ve just spent £1,300 to lay two new lawns and the fuel will ruin them.
The council have cleaned up the initial mess but residents claim they can still smell the fuel.
Villagers have been warned not to touch any area that may be contaminated.