GOVERNMENT watchdogs have launched an investigation into possible radioactive substances at Aston Down after last week's story in the SNJ.

We revealed the MoD had admitted the site did contain low-level radioactive contamination when it was sold on - possibly endangering local water supplies.

And this week the Environment Agency demanded that landowners Leda Properties conduct a full investigation into contamination on the former airfield.

News of the probe came as the SNJ learned that the site had contained depleted uranium shells while in use by the Ministry of Defence.

Agency spokesman Lyn Fraley said the investigation, including collecting evidence, compiling reports and disposing of any toxic substances, would probably take at least a year.

"We don't do this ourselves," she said. "We require the developer to get specialist consultants and experts in to do a radiological assessment.

"This will involve digging holes, taking samples and checking for any contamination. It will also involve sending samples to laboratories to be tested.

"They will then put reports together and if they do find anything they will say what it is and where it is."

She added that landowners Leda Properties would have to bear the cost of the investigation.

But Stroud MP David Drew said the fact that there had been uranium shells at the site was not a cause for alarm.

"I do not think it is dangerous because the stuff has gone," he said. "There is an argument going on at the moment about whether depleted uranium has any impact on health.

"But all the evidence is unless they are fired there is no danger - I have handled them myself. People shouldn't be scared about this at all."

Nick Hardcastle from Leda's agents Kemp and Kemp, said: "We are getting on with things as quickly as we can - if we didn't have so many people scaremongering we would probably get on with it a lot quicker. We have to do our best in the circumstances.

"We are not making any comment on what is happening or not happening up there."