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Ignorance about the controversial Bliss laboratory
• WE contacted Islington Council to find out their views on the controversial British Library International Science Site (Bliss) laboratory, a virtual containment facility and animal testing lab which might be built on the deprived Somers Town estate close to King’s Cross and St Pancras Eurostar unless opposed.
The site is near the border of Islington and Camden boroughs.
We were shocked to be told that Islington Council appear not to have been informed of the laboratory plans – which means that no contingency plans in the event of terror attack or virus leak have been drawn up or even discussed.
Bio-hazards and animals might be transported through built-up Camden, Islington and other boroughs...
A senior environment officer for Islington said: “I have checked our database and we have no information or knowledge on any such lab opening in the King’s Cross area.
“Please do not hesitate to contact me.”
This has since been dealt with as a matter of urgency and importance.
We feel that this shows that despite “consultation” the lab is being pushed through without discussion as to health and safety, in defiance of the planning brief and in the face of almost unanimous local opposition.
We are wondering what emergency plans, if any, have been discussed between the consortium and London Fire Brigade, British Transport Police, the London Ambulance Service etc.
Who will have to deal with any accidents or terror attack?
One member of the emergency services admitted that he “had not heard anything and didn’t know about the lab.” He also said he was “horrified by the idea.”
It seems that at the very least the lab plans are ill thought-out, and at worst downright dangerous, without any plans for health and safety, whatsoever.
Mandy Ford
London Against Camden Danger Lab
www.myspace.com/londonagainstblisslab
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