SHELL is writing to neighbours around its Stanlow manufacturing complex to remind them of the actions they should take in the event of a site emergency.

The correspondence also includes a note informing local businesses and residents of Ince, Elton, and Thornton le Moors of the hazardous chemicals which are stored on site – a requirement of the COMAH regulations (Control of Major Accident Hazards).

Shell public affairs assistant Rachel Evans, said: “We and many other large industrial complexes are required by law to carry out this communication to neighbours living within a certain radius of the site.

“It’s important to stress that this letter does not mean that there is increased risk from our operations.

“ However, we would urge everyone to read the correspondence and retain the card in a handy place, where it can be accessed in the unlikely event of a major emergency.”