CONCERNS over dust deposits in parts of Hartlepool will be the focus of a special inquiry next week.

Complaints have been received by Hartlepool Borough Council by residents living in the Headland.

A special investigation is underway as to what the dust deposits are.

Hartlepool Borough Council’s health scrutiny forum will meet at the Borough Hall from 6.30pm on October 27.

The forum will hear evidence for the council’s regeneration and neighbourhoods department and the environment protection officers There will also be a presentation from Professor Peter Kelly, executive director of public health for NHS Tees, on his findings regarding the health implications of dust in the area.

Representatives of the Environment Agency, the Health Protection Agency and key local industries have also been invited to give their views.

Councillor Jonathan Brash, chair of the forum, is urging residents to have their say.

He said: "One of the main roles of scrutiny is to respond to the concerns of the public and help them get answers to the questions they have.

"Clearly there are very real concerns around the dust issue on the Headland and I am keen for scrutiny to play its part in getting the facts out into the open and ensuring residents can be involved."

For more information visit hartlepool.gov.uk/scrutiny or contact scrutiny support officer James Walsh on 01429-523647.