The Guardian exclusively revealed the tragic story of Sharon Pymer, right, and Rebecca Watts, far right, who lived within yards of each other in Leftwich and who died of an extremely rare and aggressive form of leukaemia. Health officials confirmed that normally there are fewer than 10 cases of this particular leukaemia in the country in a year. The Guardian also reported that a third toddler was undergoing tests amid fears she may have the same illness. Worried residents have pointed out that the estate was built on the site of a former dump and say environmental factors may be to blame for the deaths of the little girls. Guardian news editor Vivien Kandel has been following the story from the start.
BENZENE FAMILIES GET NEW HOUSES
TWO couples from Leftwich who lost their toddlers to a rare form of leukaemia are to be relocated from their homes.
Probe has speeded up
AN experienced chartered geologist says levels of benzene discovered in Muirfield Close have been played down.
Filling up your car is more dangerous
AN investigation into the possible health implications of land contamination on a housing estate in Leftwich, where two children died from a rare form of leukaemia, has not found any evidence that environmental factors in the area are posing any significant risk to health.
Leukaemia site tests to start
TESTS are to begin soon on land on a Leftwich estate where two toddlers died of a rare form of leukaemia.
Dad's anger over 'too rosy' picture
THE father of one of the toddlers who died of leukaemia has slammed the latest report on how investigations into her death are progressing.
Test results promising for illness-hit estate
AN ACTION team set up to look into the deaths of two Leftwich children from a rare form of leukaemia has released reassuring details of its findings so far.
We needed better tests
QUESTIONS are being asked about the thoroughness of land survey tests carried out 10 years ago on land in Leftwich. Houses on the Muirfield Close estate were built on the site of a former waste tip and the area is now under investigation following the deaths of two little girls - Rebecca Watts and Sharon Pymer - from a rare and aggressive form of leukaemia.
John's thanks 4,600 times over
AN auction held to raise money for the hospital which treated Rebbeca Watts has raised more than £4,600.
Testing time for residents as scientific investigation starts
CONCERNED residents who attended the Muirfield Close meeting were given comprehensive information about environmental health factors and about what steps were being taken to safeguard the health of residents.
We will continue to be open, honest and keep in touch every step of the way, says councillor
A STEERING group made up of residents and officials has been set up to monitor developments at the Muirfield Close estate following fears over health risks posed by a former landfill site and the deaths of two little girls from a rare form of leukaemia.
The long wait for answers...
IT could take months or years before investigations into the deaths of two Leftwich babies from an aggressive rare form of leukaemia are completed.
Gas scare as methane is found under house
METHANE has been discovered in one of the houses in Muirfield Close, tests have revealed.
Nightmare is over as little Gypsy gets the all clear
A THREE-week nightmare has come to an end for the parents of little Gypsy Mellor after tests revealed that she does not have leukaemia.
You just don't know what was dumped at Muirfield Close
A RESIDENT who lives opposite Muirfield Close has described parts of an old gas works, rubbish and rubble being dumped at the site before the houses were built.
Victory for protesters as mobile phone mast plan is rejected by council
RESIDENTS protesting over plans to site a mobile phone mast in Leftwich - close to where two girls died of leukaemia - are celebrating after it was refused by planning chiefs.
Meeting for residents
A MEETING for residents who are concerned about the investigation into the leukaemia deaths is to be held on Wednesday, April 6.
Probe into former tip to start in two weeks
OFFICERS from Vale Royal Borough Council will be carrying out environmental studies on land in Leftwich near to homes owned by Muir Group Housing Association.
Health survey convinces John over link to waste site
FAMILIES living in Muirfield Close and Greenlaw Close have been suffering from a variety of illnesses, a survey has revealed
US warning: Living near a landfill site can seriously damage your health...
RESEARCHERS in America have been conducting studies into the health of people living close to solid waste landfill sites.
Fears for Gypsy
THE parents of little Gypsy Mellor are hoping and praying she has not become the third victim of a rare and aggressive form of leukaemia on the same estate.
Plea to include phone masts
THE chairman of a group fighting against mobile phone communication masts being put up is asking Vale Royal Borough Council if the potential effects of masts will form part of the leukaemia investigation.
'Don't lose sight of the fact that these deaths could be an awful, terrible coincidence'
INVESTIGATIONS have begun in earnest into the history of the land on which Muir Housing built houses in Leftwich nine years ago .
MP first probed site 20 years ago
IT is not the first time an investigation has been launched into what used to be at the Leftwich estate before the houses were built.
Is rubbish dump to blame for deaths?
JOHN Watts clutches the evidence in his hands, maps that he believes proves there was a tip on land where his Muirfield Close house is built.
Agency vows to keep an open mind over investigation
A DOCTOR from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has said officials are keeping an open mind about whether the deaths of two little girls from the same kind of leukaemia are linked.
Why did they die?
AN investigation has been launched after two Leftwich toddlers who live within yards of each other died of an aggressive rare form of leukaemia.
All
the local news and sport from the Northwich Guardian 
BENZENE FAMILIES GET NEW HOUSES
The long wait for answers...
Gas scare as methane is found under house
You just don't know what was dumped at Muirfield Close
Fears for Gypsy
'Don't lose sight of the fact that these deaths could be an awful, terrible coincidence'
Is rubbish dump to blame for deaths?
Why did they die?
