Dad's anger over 'too rosy' picture

John Watts

THE father of one of the toddlers who died of leukaemia has slammed the latest report on how investigations into her death are progressing.

John Watts, 36, of Muirfield Close, Leftwich, said he could not understand why the report had been done because few tests had been carried out.

His daughter Rebecca died of a rare aggressive form of leukaemia, aged 19 months.

Mr Watts said: "How can anyone try to paint a picture of the whole of this site when no major tests have been done?

"In my opinion they are trying to reassure residents and people in the surrounding area that nothing is amiss."

John said it was known there was a normal number of cases of leukaemia found each year in the UK.

He said: "But the reason these investigations have started is because Dr Keenan stated that to have two cases of this type of leukaemia (which is rare in itself) within such a close vicinity was extremely rare and it was 'good practice' to have tests."

John said the council could not yet know whether animals are buried underneath the houses.

He said: "I have never stated exactly what is here because I don't have any proof that Rebecca's death is linked to where we live.

"I am convinced that where we live was the cause of her death but without proof there is nothing I can do, so how can the council confirm or deny that anything has been found when they have no proof as of yet?

"We won't know until major tests are carried out. They are just trying to make a bad picture a good one and paint it rosy."