Cowbury Green
Introduction
The photograph on this page of Cowbury Green by David Dixon as part of the Geograph project.
The Geograph project started in 2005 with the aim of publishing, organising and preserving representative images for every square kilometre of Great Britain, Ireland and the Isle of Man.
There are currently over 7.5m images from over 14,400 individuals and you can help contribute to the project by visiting https://www.geograph.org.uk
Image: © David Dixon Taken: 27 Jun 2012
Cowbury Green, at Carrbrook Conservation Village. Part of the Stalybridge Country Park. The Green was the site of the Chemstar factory until a massive explosion in 1981. The firm which recycled petrol based chemicals such as processed pharmaceuticals, paint, printing ink, adhesives etc. They had been operating in Carrbrook for five years, storing a variety of chemicals and solvents. After the explosion chemicals were washed into the local stream; when toxic chemical experts were brought in after the fire over 400 different chemicals, many of them carcinogenic, were found in the soil. The effect of this contamination on local wildlife was catastrophic, and residents were warned not to eat home-grown vegetables. In 1989, the contaminated soil was removed from the site and the area was cleared of all debris and toxic waste. The area has since been landscaped and planted with trees. The area is now known as Cowbury Green and was officially opened on 8th April 1993. http://carrbrookvillage.users.btopenworld.com/cowbury.htm Cowbury Green and the Chemstar Explosion Image] shows the site in 2009