Plans by BP to resume storage of petrol and diesel at the Buncefield oil depot have been criticised by local business and council leaders.

Nineteen months ago, the terminal in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire was the site of Europe’s largest peacetime explosion.

Fire crews fought the blaze for four days, and residents in the area were forced to live in temporary accommodation for months.

There were no deaths, however, 43 people were injured, two seriously.

A petrol leak from a storage tank was blamed for the explosion, and there are fears of a repeat if BP store petrol and oil in three of the seven tanks at Buncefield.

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The Maylands Partnership, which represents businesses, the council and local development agency has condemned the news.

Roy Bains, Director of the Partnership said the scheme shows a lack of consideration to the community affected by the explosion.

He said: “They have been through trauma with a petrol explosion and it seems rather insensitive to bring petrol back.”

He also said there was no need for BP to return to Buncefield. “BP have been able to operate perfectly normally. All their garages have been supplied with no shortages.”

in a statement BP said: “We are fully aware of the concerns and anxieties of the business community and residents about the introduction of petrol and diesel storage on the site next year. Safety is our priority.

“We will not re-open the site until we have had the all-clear on safety issues.”

(JM/SP)