A CRAVEN councillor has called for details of a longstanding 'public health' issue in Hellifield to be revealed.

Concerns were first raised in the village towards the end of last year when some residents reported problems with their health - including severe breathing difficulties.

A joint investigation between Craven District Council and the Environment Agency was carried out in December into farm 'spreading activities' but is believed to have been inconclusive.

All members of Craven District Council received a written response to Cllr Robert Heseltine's request -made in January - for an explanation of environmental concerns in Hellifield - but it was marked 'confidential' and 'not for public reproduction'.

Cllr Heseltine repeated his request to the leader Cllr Richard Foster at the last full meeting, and asked why it was necessary for it to be kept confidential, seeing as it was a matter of public interest.

"I asked the question of the leader because it is a public health situation. I asked in public session and was somewhat surprised when the response was marked confidential and not for public reproduction," he said.

"I know and you know, but the public don't know."

Cllr Foster said he would find out why the explanation needed to be confidential, but until he did, was unwilling to read it out in open session - in front of the public and press.

The chairman, Cllr Chris Moorby - who is also the Hellifield ward member - revealed he was to have a meeting with one of the affected families and council officers, and would report back.

"I will be able to report back anything from that meeting in March that is not confidential," he said.