THE OWNERS of a Tyneside chemical plant which burned to the ground have said they will relocate - and the North-East will not be the automatic choice.

Bosses of the Lancashire-based Distillex spoke as the Health and Safety Executive continues its investigation into the blaze at the plant in North Shields.

Hundreds of people were evacuated from their homes for the night after emergency services threw up a half-mile exclusion zone around the East Percy Street site on Friday, April 12.

Managing director Adrian Jones said last night: "It's early days yet and we are still evaluating our options.

"We are certain to relocate from the site and the North-East is not an automatic choice.

"The 11 or 12 staff may suffer - and they know that. They have been loyal to us. There are no easy choices and no quick fixes."

Meanwhile, the HSE last night released a provisional list of 28 substances stored at the Distillex site, including acetic acid, butanol, ethyl acetate, methanol, thinners and xylene.

HSE Principal Inspector Alex Keddie said: "Although the list of substances appears to be formidable, the bulk of them are commonly found in paint thinners, paint strippers and degreasing agents.

"That is why it is important that occupational users observe a strict working code of practice during extensive use."

He added: "There is no scientific basis for assessing any risk to health from one exposure to smoke from a fire.

"That aspect is being handled by the appropriate health authority."