AN Abbots Langley geologist is concerned that drilling work has been carried out behind her street without prior consultation with residents or environmental officers. Drilling took place at the back of homes in Abbots Road last week.

Anna Grayson, a geologist and BBC presenter, who lives in Abbots Road, said: "There is an ancient land surface beneath Abbots Langley, with some of the oldest soil in Europe.

"A geographical survey needs to be undertaken and the geological setting understood, before drilling of this nature takes place.

"I have tried to contact the company concerned, Lister Geo-Technical, but they have been extremely rude and have not offered an explanation."

Lister Geo-Technical refused to comment on the work and said it was a matter for McCann Homes, which owns the site.

McCann Homes commissioned Lister to do the drilling because it is looking into the possibility of building new housing in the area.

The McCann representative said: "The drilling has been carried out to discover what is under the ground and whether the land is suitable for a housing scheme."

For full story see Friday's printed version of the Watford Observer.