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Eric Pickles says sorry for not dredging rivers on Somerset Levels

28/9/2014

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Andrew Marr, left, and Communities Secretary Eric Pickles appearing on BBC's current affairs programme, The Andrew Marr Sow
Asked if Prime Minister David Cameron should also apologise, Mr Pickles said: “I’ll apologise. I’ll apologise unreservedly.”
Eric Pickles has admitted the Government made a “mistake” in not dredging rivers to prevent flooding but blamed the Environment Agency for providing poor advice.
The Communities Secretary, who has taken temporary charge of the response to the crisis, issued an unreserved apology to those affected in the Somerset Levels.
Repeated calls for dredging were made to Downing Street and other Whitehall departments by farmers and others in the region from at least six months ago but funding was declined.
“We made a mistake, there’s no doubt about that and we perhaps relied too much on the Environment Agency’s advice,” Mr Pickles told BBC1’s Andrew Marr Show.
“We recognise that we should have dredged and I think it is important now that we get on the process of getting those people back into their houses once we are able to really do some serious pumping.”
Mr Pickles has criticised under-fire EA chairman Lord Smith for refusing to say sorry for the failures when he was besieged by angry locals on a visit to Somerset.
Asked if Prime Minister David Cameron should also apologise, Mr Pickles said: “I’ll apologise. I’ll apologise unreservedly.”
The EA has faced fresh anger after a senior official hailed its performance as a “success story”.
Director of operations David Jordan told a press briefing that the 5,000 homes flooded during the winter storms were “individual tragedies”.
“But also we need to recognise that 1.3 million other properties would have flooded if these flood defences had not been built,” he said.
“That is the success story, if you like, that we are talking about.”
Mr Pickles – who has taken the lead while Environment Secretary Owen Paterson recovers from eye surgery – said the agency needed to revisit its priorities.
As politicians trade blows on the political fall-out from the disaster, police were investigating whether seven-year-old Zane Gbangbola, who died after falling ill in his flood-hit home in Chertsey, Surrey, may have become a victim of the floods.
As politicians trade blows on the political fall-out from the disaster, police were investigating whether seven-year-old Zane Gbangbola, who died after falling ill in his flood-hit home in Chertsey, Surrey, may have become a victim of the floods.
Officers have refused to be drawn on whether carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator pumping out flood water from his home may have been to blame, which also saw his parents, Kye Gbangbola and Nicole Lawler, taken ill.
While tributes have been paid to the boy, two severe flood warnings remain place in the crisis-hit Somerset Levels – where villages are cut off and many residents have already been forced from their homes after weeks of heavy rain.
The Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister and Environment Secretary have all visited the Levels in recent weeks and the latest politician to visit was Ukip leader Nigel Farage.
During a visit to Burrowbridge, Mr Farage called for a public inquiry and reiterated calls for the Government to compensate victims.
“In the short term I want the Government to say they are going to compensate flood victims. Longer term there has got to be a public inquiry in how we are managing our rivers,” he said.
“There are times when a Government really needs to do something to support its own people. I just want to get this ball rolling.”
Mr Farage denied his visit was “political opportunism”.
“Unlike everybody else who turns up for a photo op and goes away again I am actually going to visit some of these properties, meet some of these people and get a better understanding,” he insisted.
“From what I can see, the Environment Agency appear to be so hamstrung by a whole series of European directives and we are putting the interests of beetles and voles and birdlife before that of farmers and people.”
Mr Farage also took the time to chat to locals and volunteers over a pint of ale in the King Alfred pub, which sits next to the River Parrett in Burrowbridge.
He was heckled by resident Mike Jay, who shouted at the politician “Oy Nigel, what are you going to do for us, rather than just a photo op?”
Mr Farage, who went up to Mr Jay to speak to him, replied: “I am trying to get off the ground a campaign that anyone who has suffered financial loss as a result of flooding actually gets compensation.
“I tell you why, because when we had the storm before Christmas I had a cracked chimney, roofing tiles gone, fencing down and the insurance company paid most of mine and I am £3,000 short.
“I’ve got a good salary and I can pay for it but people on fixed incomes and everything else can’t.”
Mr Cameron is to chair the latest meeting of the Government’s emergency Cobra committee this afternoon as forecasters warn of another week of storms.
Heavy rain and winds of more than 60mph will die down throughout today but the brief respite will be broken by another storm arriving tomorrow night.
There are nearly 300 low-level flood alerts and almost 200 medium-risk warnings in place across Wales and central and southern England.
The Met Office warned that river levels are expected to continue rising along the Thames, the Severn and the Dorset Stour this week.
The Ministry of Defence has put 1,600 personnel on six hours’ notice to help in the south.
Rail operators are now able to run trains to Exeter but there is still major disruption to services following flooding, landslides and collapsing track beds in the West Country.
In Croydon, South London, a pedestrian underpass has been turned into an emergency pond to hold hundreds of thousands of litres of floodwater threatening homes and businesses.
And reserve soldiers of 7 Battalion The Rifles were called in to use sandbags to dam a breach in the Kennet Canal which threatened an electrical sub-station near Burghfield, south of Reading.
Meanwhile, Met Office chief scientist Dame Julia Slingo said while there was not yet “definitive proof”, “all the evidence” pointed to a role for climate change in extreme weather.
She also delivered a grim warning that the country should prepare itself for more similar events in future.
It is the strongest link yet made by the Met Office between the intense weather and climate change, and backs David Cameron’s remark last month that he “very much suspects” a connection.
Labour former environment secretary Hilary Benn said “real progress” had been made after the Pitt Review into the summer floods of 2007, although added lessons could always will be learnt when dealing with “nature’s raw power”.
Green Party leader Natalie Bennett insisted Mr Paterson should be replaced as Environment Secretary.
She also said the Government and the previous Labour administration had not spent enough money on flood defences and the coalition’s cuts to the Environment Agency should be reversed.
Original report
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is climate change only a threat to our future? think again. this is the story of 7-year old zane

23/9/2014

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The Peoples Climate Change March London 21/09/2014

Nicole and I arrived at the London Peoples Climate march in the hazy sunshine of a Sunday morning, we were looking forward to meeting its organisers, and apprehensive about speaking to people about the most painful part of our life, the loss of our beautiful 7 year old son Zane.  For us the impact of Climate Change is a sickening reality.

Our story is one of floodwater carrying toxic landfill gas that kills, our quest for answers, and to protect communities at risk.  Suffice to say 4 in 5 of us live within a kilometre of landfill and this fact coupled with wetter weather and floods has revealed yet another impact of Climate Change.  We believe nobody should suffer the death of a loved one or maiming of family members as we have. 

Shockingly though the death of our son when floodwater that had passed through landfill carried Hydrogen Cyanide gas into our home, agencies positioned to protect us put up walls of silence and misdirection.  The story of this social injustice is a stain on the UK agencies with a duty to defend and protect our children.   Hydrogen Cyanide gas was called Cyclon B in the 2nd world war, it was used in the death camps to gas and kill people.   I don’t mind telling you, as bereaved parents, the loss of our son has been an unbearable living nightmare, and we are unable to live in our home because toxic gas pathways remain and the house is unsafe. 

Those attending the London march were appalled by what had happened and want to help reveal the truth and protect communities at risk. We now have over 12,500 people signed up to the 38 Degree campaign.  We need 100,000 sign ups and welcome others, and all people to go to www.truthaboutzane.com and click petition.  

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Kye and Nicole speaking with Dame Vivienne Westwood
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Kye with Emma Thomson and Dame Vivienne Westwood
The march got underway and we felt privileged to be there and have an opportunity to make a contribution.    Nicole and I were very fortunate to be alongside Dame Vivienne Westwood and Emma Thompson who were appalled by the toxic combination of facts surrounding Zane’s case and how the time bombs that landfill sites represent to the public needs to be addressed. The generosity of their time and kindness was uplifting, as was the support of London Team Avaaz both for us and the marchers.

We would like to thank Avaaz; our hosts, for an inspiring day for the 40,000 people that marched peacefully in the afternoon sun, there were many powerful messages communicated by celebrities, campaigners, the public and organisations alike.  Some key issues we were able to share included key numbers:

1  One - The priority placed by Ban Ki Moon and the UN on addressing the most serious issue of our time Climate Change

2  19 – The percentage of GDP needed to protect the public from Climate Change events by 2030

3 24 – The number of hours after Zane died the British Prime Minister acknowledged and conceded Climate Change is real cause of the UK flooding

4  4.5 Billion – The 2014 insurance cost of flooding, the cost of prevention infrastructure a quarter of the cost

It was certainly an emotional day, but also very rewarding.  Nicole and I commented that it was great to see the many children present, and how Zane would have been in his element chatting, learning, and making friends as he helped do the right thing for a common good.

During the march Nicole and I were asked several times what message we want to convey to our politicians, the answers we gave we have provided many times, ‘Listen to the people’s voices and serve the public that elected you, and always remember, you are what you do, not what you say.  It’s time for action on Climate Change, and its time to build sustainable global economies.

As my beautiful son would know and say ‘The future depends on what we do in the present’ (Ghandi)

Love and Peace

Kye and Nicole

Find out more about Zane and the campaign to protect communities from floodwater carring Groundfill gas go to www.truthaboutzane.com
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Kye and Nicole with Emma Thomson. Kye holds an image of his son, Zane
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Zane's daddy speaks out following the death of his beautiful son.

4/9/2014

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Description: Britain's most tragic flood victims daddy speaks out. Please sign up to the petition to protect the public from toxic ground gases from landfill during floods and to get the TruthaboutZane https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/call-for-a-public-debate-into-the-death-of-7-year-old-zane
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When the floods came, it wasn't a faulty pump that killed our son... it was deadly cyanide gas: Parents say that leaking landfill site real cause of death - and there's a cover-up 

12/8/2014

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  • Zane Gbangbola died during heaviest floods in UK for 248 years in February
  • Allegedly killed by faulty pump at riverside home in Chertsey, Surrey 
  • New evidence suggests carbon monoxide seeped from petrol-driven pump
  • Substance has left his father Kye paralysed from the waist down
  • Grief-stricken parents fear cover-up as they 'had not used the pump' 
  • Scientists say 'gas used in Nazi camps could come from nearby landfill site'
By Michael Powell and Nick Craven

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The parents of a seven-year-old boy said to have died due to a faulty pump used at their home during the winter floods, claim he was really killed by deadly cyanide gas leaking from a landfill site.

New evidence has emerged that toxic hydrogen cyanide may have leached from a lake at the back of the home where schoolboy Zane Gbangbola tragically died during the heaviest flooding to hit Britain in 248 years.

His grief-stricken parents now fear there has been a cover-up, as police continue to insist Zane died from carbon monoxide poisoning from a petrol-driven pump at their riverside home, even though the Gbangbolas insist they did not use it.

Meanwhile, Public Health England officials and environmental experts have uncovered evidence of hydrogen cyanide at the riverside property in Chertsey, Surrey, which still remains sealed off six months after the tragedy. 

Scientists have told The Mail on Sunday that the deadly gas – used in the Nazi death camps – could have come from the former landfill site that stands just 20 yards from the back of the family’s home, as the rising water table could have pushed cyanide gas up through the landfill soil, generating hydrogen cyanide.

As floodwater clogged the basement, gas bubbles could have risen up into the house with tragic consequences.

The family were rushed to hospital in the early hours of February 8, after a call from Zane’s mother Nicole Lawler, 37, who had found both Zane and his father Kye, 48, unconscious. Zane was pronounced dead on arrival, while medical tests confirmed there were traces of hydrogen cyanide in his parents’ blood.

Kye, a company director, has been left paralysed from the waist down and still attends almost daily hospital appointments. A consultant neurophysiologist has confirmed his medical condition is caused by exposure to hydrogen cyanide.

Firefighters evacuated the area after their personal alarms were triggered by the presence of the gas. A total of 17 people were rushed to hospital and checked for signs of poisoning, but the only casualties were Zane and his parents. 

Later the same day, teams from Public Health England (PHE) and the Environment Agency descended, scouring the flood-hit area in biological suits.

PHE has confirmed hydrogen cyanide was present. The couple have been advised not to return home – even to collect belongings or precious photos of their only child.

Yet authorities are now accused of refusing to investigate the landfill site. Meanwhile, Zane’s parents are still waiting for a date to be set for their son’s inquest – despite new rules that mean inquests should be completed within six months of a death, unless there are good reasons for a delay.

More than 10,000 people have signed a petition demanding ‘a national debate’ on the risk of toxic gas leaching from landfills during floods, as Zane’s parents claim they face a ‘wall of silence’ from the authorities.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, Kye said: ‘It’s been six months since Zane’s death and people are still at risk. It’s obvious there are powers that don’t want this to come out.’

A million tonnes of hydrogen cyanide are still produced globally each year, and it is used in many industrial processes from paper-making to electroplating metal. Regulations around its disposal are tight, but that has not always been the case.

An initial post-mortem examination on Zane was inconclusive, but his parents say the pathologist was not told to test Zane’s blood for the presence of hydrogen cyanide – which disappears from the body within 48 hours. 

According to Surrey Police, further tests have found the cause of death to be ‘carbon monoxide poisoning’. 

Yet Kye and Nicole insist there was no possible source of carbon monoxide in their all-electric house. Kye said: ‘How can they say our son died from a substance that was not in our house, yet not look at the substance we now know was and has left me maimed?’

Copy linkSurrey Police released a public statement on Zane’s cause of death less than 24 hours after 800 local residents attended a heated public meeting on the floods, during which suspicions were raised about whether hydrogen cyanide was responsible.

‘The area was landfill from the 1940s until the 1970s,’ said Kye. ‘Nicole and I now cannot live in our own home because of the gas activity that’s been found there. We can’t even go to get our belongings. It is heartbreaking that we are now six months down the line and still have not got to the truth.’

But Surrey County Council insists the former gravel pit site was filled in with building rubble rather than industrial waste before being converted into a lake and field, although some residents claim the area was known as ‘the dump’ for decades.

A joint statement from Surrey Fire and Rescue and Surrey County Council said: ‘Abbeyfield is not a landfill site in the usual sense, it is a former quarry restored as a landscaped lake.

‘The landfill referred to is rubble used in constructing its banks.’

But Kye said that Public Health England (PHE) wrote to him in May, warning him that as traces of the toxic gas had been found in the house, they should not return home. 

PHE would not comment other than to say: ‘We have not identified any evidence suggesting there is a public health risk, or hazard to neighbouring properties.’

Last night experts called for a full investigation into the tragedy. 

‘Questions need to be answered,’ said Nick Walton, a leading environmental hydrogeochemist with 25 years’ expertise. ‘Almost anything can come up from a landfill site going back to the 1940s. The problem with older sites is we don’t really know what’s gone in there.’

David Rudland, chair of Environmental Protection UK’s land quality committee, said: ‘There are landfill sites that have taken large amounts of industrial waste, including cyanide, in the past, and it’s a possibility that dangerous material could be mobilised if the landfill site wasn’t particularly water-tight.’

Neighbour Ian Berry, 44, a finance broker, told The Mail on Sunday that he was told he may have 15 minutes to live when firefighters knocked on his door at 5am on the night Zane died. He was among the 17 neighbours taken to hospital as a precaution by emergency service.

He recalled: ‘We were woken up at an ungodly hour. Two firemen came and said, “Zane has passed away and Kye and Nicole are in hospital.” I was told by both the fire brigade and the police that it was hydrogen cyanide. The fireman said death happens quite quickly, and that if it was in our blood we had got 15 minutes.

‘I don’t see how they can say carbon monoxide killed Zane. The only thing that could have caused carbon monoxide poisoning is the petrol-driven pump and I know they didn’t use it because I would have heard it.’

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said it would not comment while police inquiries were continuing, referring all questions to Surrey Police. A police spokesman said: ‘There’s no evidence of any wider risk to members of the public.’

"This substance killed Zane and left me maimed. How can they leave it at that?"

Asked if there was any indication of hydrogen cyanide either at the property or in Zane’s blood, the police spokesman replied: ‘I can’t comment on any of the medical testing as that was done externally and by independent experts. 

'We go by whatever information is put to us and the result is that the cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning. We can’t comment on [whether the pump had been used or not] as that’s part of the investigation.’

The ex-landfill site is owned by gravel company Brett Aggregates.

Last night, a statement from the firm said: ‘While to date we have no reason to believe there is any link between this site and the awful tragedy that has befallen the Gbangbola family, we have made it clear that we will give complete cooperation to any authorities wishing to investigate the background to this incident.’

Meanwhile, Kye and Nicole continue to fight for answers. Kye said: ‘Zane spent his short life helping others, now Zane needs some help. We cannot replace Zane. But can try to protect others. If we can find answers for Zane, we can protect others.’

Original article




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Cyanide BURIED IN UMARKED SITES AROUND SURREY

2/8/2014

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This practice allegedly went on about once a month between 1943 and 1947, in unmarked locations, resulting in as many as 100 deposits, with the depth and precise locations unknown.

The poisonous waste is believed to have been buried at the site where over 600 homes are hoped to be built.

Cyanide buried in the grounds of a Second World War engineering works could scupper developments planned in Worplesdon.

Liddington Hall Farm has been put forward as part of Guildford Borough Council’s draft local plan as a suitable location for 625 homes.

But Worplesdon Parish Council maintains the land is unsafe because of around 100 deposits of cyanide buried beneath the surface.

An ex-employee of Martin Harper Engineering Works came forward in 1982 to share information about the firm, claiming they used to dig up areas of the land around the factory and bury cyanide, the waste product made through case hardening, which took place at the site.

This practice allegedly went on about once a month between 1943 and 1947, in unmarked locations, resulting in as many as 100 deposits, with the depth and precise locations unknown.

New homes were built on the site where the company’s offices had stood in 2006, as none of the poison could have been deposited on that part of the site.

In 1983 a report by Norman Payne, Guildford council’s then head of personal services, confirmed there were signs of the poison beneath the ground but the area was declared safe as long as it was undisturbed.

Cyanide usually degrades over time, but Professor Jim Bridges, toxicology expert at the University of Surrey said: “If cyanide is combined with certain metals, as it is in case hardening, and if it is buried in soil, it can be longer lasting.”

This is not the first time this site has been proposed in a planning initiative.

'Full investigation'

Gaynor White, Worplesdon’s parish clerk said it is "exceedingly frustrating" that the same areas continue to come up over and over again.

She has already passed her concerns on to MP Anne Milton and the parish council is planning a formal response to the draft local plan as it undergoes the consultation process.

In 2008 Guildford Borough Council addressed concerns over cyanide, and claimed that the concentration in the soil was below Environmental Quality Standards and as such would not be a great risk.

But a spokesman for the council acknowledged the continued concerns about the Liddington Hall Farm site and its relation to cyanide.

She said: “As with any development on land that has previously had industrial use, a full investigation and any necessary remediation work must be carried out and before development.

“In 1982, an investigation was carried out on behalf of the council on the land bordering the works, which concluded that there was little evidence of high levels of contamination that would be detrimental to public health at that time.

“Based on this information this would still require a similar condition to the factory site. Any contamination found would need to be treated or removed.”

The proposed site also backs on the Thames Basin Heath, a special protection area (SPA) owing to the ‘mosaic of habitats’ in the area.

In February this year, the High Court ruled in favour of Weald District Council against landowners attempting to build on an SPA as these areas are also protected by European Law.

The council acknowledged this land is within the greenbelt in November 2013 but said there may not be enough brown field and urban land to meet the housing needs.

Original article from GetSurrey


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'Truth About Zane' campaign takes to the streets

1/7/2014

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Around 250 people stage a peaceful 'community demonstration' in their campaign for more answers over the death of seven-year-old Zane Gbangbola
Campaigners of all ages were out in force on Sunday (June 29) calling for more information over the death of Zane Gbangbola.

Around 250 people joined in the peaceful community demonstration on Chertsey Bridge and outside the family home in nearby Thameside.

Zane was taken ill from the flooded home on February 8 and died in hospital.

Campaigners believe his death could have been down to leaking hydrogen cyanide from neighbouring land which was formerly a landfill site.

Zane's parents, Kye Gbangbola and Nicole Lawler, remain unconvinced after Surrey Police said earlier this month that pathology tests had shown the cause of death was carbon monoxide intoxication.

Kye, 48, and Nicole, 36, were also hospitalised and they say traces of hydrogen cyanide were found in their blood following tests after their home and neighbouring properties were evacuated.

Campaigners at Sunday's demonstration held up a series of banners with messages such as "A healthy little boy is dead. Who will be next?" "Are we safe to live near landfill?" and "Public safety should be the highest priority".

Addressing the crowd outside his home, Kye thanked everyone for their "fantastic" support.

"This is not political, it's about a small boy and truth and justice. We deserve honest answers. It's quite obvious that children do not die instantly in the night for no reason.

"There are no words to explain the pain, sorrow and despair that Nicole and I and you are feeling.

"Nicole and I are just parents trying to do out best to find answers. We are doing what any parents would do for our kids."

Kye said Zane was a "ray of sunshine who always had a smile". "He was surrounded by love, which he exuded back tenfold. The world was a much richer place for Zane in it."
Kye continued: "Zane was only seven and had a promising life ahead of him. No child in the UK should be able to go to bed and not wake up. We say never again."

Kye said the family is not interested in money or blame. "Zane was simply irreplaceable but we do need answers and there are solutions," he added.

"7,000 people have signed Zane's petition and that number is rapidly rising because people will not be fooled by the authority claims. We say don't treat the public like idiots, they know when something is seriously wrong.

"Let's make this gathering the start of change.

"Thank you for listening and thank you for helping."

Among those attending the demonstration were Walton on Thames residents Suella Ritchie, 42, her husband Kevin, 44, and their seven-year-old son Dillon, who was best friends with Zane at St George's Junior School in Weybridge.

Mrs Ritchie said when Zane died Dillion had a lot of questions and was very upset. "He's been very strong about it, although it's upsetting for him because with all the controversy he just wants his friend to be left alone and not having the truth is not fair."

Local vicar Laurence Gamlen also attended the demonstration.

"It's been a really good expression of community concern, which I hope the authorities will take notice of," he said. "I hope it reminds them that this issue will not go away."

Original story from GetSurrey by Stephen Lloyd



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Update

6/6/2014

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Vijay Ganapathy, from law firm Leigh Day, who is representing the Gbangbola family, said: "We welcome this full post-mortem report, which will form part of the information provided to the coroner when the full inquest into Zane's death takes place.

"We will continue to work with the police with their investigations into the causes of this tragedy and who was responsible.

"We await further information provided by other agencies following their investigations, as many questions still remain unanswered into what toxins were present within the property on the night
of Zane's death."
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News report by alex bushill

2/6/2014

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Zane Gbangbola: Poison theory parents want answers

PictureZane Gbangbola
The father of a seven-year-old boy  who died in floods in Surrey has said he believes the authorities are trying to stop him finding out what happened.

Zane Gbangbola, from Chertsey, died in hospital in February. His father, Kye, remains paralysed from the waist down.

The family's lawyers say it was an "apparent chemical poisoning" possibly 
caused by contaminated floodwater.

 Surrey County Council said it would not be appropriate to comment on the cause of death at this stage.

The Gbangbolas' home in Thameside was flooded for weeks in January and February when the River Thames burst its banks.

Zane and his parents were taken to hospital on 8 February after being taken ill. Both father and son suffered cardiac arrests.

Nearby homes were evacuated and 15 people were taken to hospital as a precaution.
 
Solicitors Leigh  Day are now investigating whether the family's house was affected by  hydrogen cyanide from a former landfill site nearby.

They claim the colourless gas hydrogen cyanide, which has in the past been linked to historic landfill sites, was found by the fire and rescue team called to the house. 

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has not commented to the BBC.

 "I am broken, emotionally as well as physically," said company director Mr Gbangbola.

 "I don't worry too much about myself - it would be wrong considering what happened to my son.

 "Zane was always a happy, fun, extremely talented special ray of sunshine."

A post-mortem examination found no clear cause for Zane's death and an inquest was opened and adjourned pending the results of toxicology tests.

The local authority said on 28 April that the Abbeyfields site near the family home was a landscaped lake as a result of mineral excavation and had not been used for landfill. It warned against spreading panic among local residents.

But a historic  landfill site is shown on the Environment Agency's website.

Mr Gbangbola said: "It seems as though the various agencies involved are actively working against providing any information and that should cause some concern as to the trust the public should have."

Surrey County Council said in a statement: "Police are investigating this sad case and are waiting on the results of tests so it would not be appropriate to speculate on the cause of death until they have them."

Public Health England said in May: "Public Health England has not identified any evidence suggesting there is a public health risk, or hazard, to  neighbouring properties."

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Neighbours' fears 
Neighbour Carol Bartlett said she believed there was a cover-up.
"The longer it goes on the more momentum it gathers," she said.
"A lot of people are really concerned - not just neighbours but people who live locally."
Continue reading the main story 

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UPDATE from Zane's mummy and daddy - 17 Weeks

26/5/2014

6 Comments

 
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Update: Thank you and keep commenting and supporting. So far we have confirmation from 4 Agencies that Hydrogen Cyanide was in the house the night Zane died and that there was never any carbon monoxide.  However these Agencies are doing their utmost to not tell the public or investigate properly, leaving local people at risk. The agency perspective is the avoidance of national hysteria over the possible risk posed by contaminated sites.  Our personal investigations have revealed the field and lake 6m away that look so idyllic is actually contaminated but this did not show in environmental searches.  In short it appears the agencies to protect us believe the truth will do more harm than good. To them Zane seems to be considered collateral damage. If you find this unacceptable and would not accept this cover up if it were your child this happened to, then please get involved and help us get justice for Zane. Our beautiful Zane should be here enjoying his life playing with mummy and daddy and friends.

There is an act called the Environmental Protection Act, it is clear what government department is responsible. We can not fight this alone, help us to get the truth by keeping up the pressure. Places that you and your friends can comment are http://bit.ly/1kzqV0m these sites monitor responses, the greater the responses the more the news papers will support the cause. For those that are construction minded a great link for comment is bit.ly/1oW83ZN and for those that would like to know more see www.truthaboutzane.com 

again we would be pleased if you could leave comments on getsurrey or here.

Thank you,  Kye and Nicole xx

COMMENTS
Yomi Molake  10:12 AM on 26/5/2014
It is very clear that the threshold for a thorough investigation has been met and that Surrey Council and/or the Government
( Environment Agency) are duty bound to  conduct one.
The true cause of Zane's death should not be covered up. The Council and the Government owe it to Zane, his parents and everyone to  reveal the true cause of  his death.  There can be no justification for hiding the truth. Hiding the truth   is wrong,   and certainly  is no justifiable way to protect those  who have suffered a great loss and pain. However  uncovering the truth will at least provide answers and relief to ease their  pain. It is also in the public's interest to ascertain the true cause of Zane's death.

Dave Fisher 10:13 AM on 26/5/2014
There was a tragedy on the 8th of February in the midst of the Chertsey floods.Zane, a young boy so full of life and promise, died. Kye, his father is still very ill, cannot walk far and cannot stand for very long. Most of his moving about is done in a wheelchair. Zane’s mother, Nicole, was also affected, though mercifully less severely. Their grief and suffering has been made much worse by the wall of silence surrounding the events of that day, built by those who should be offering humane help and support. Instead they act in a most insensitive manner and somebody seems to be under orders to keep things quiet.
We know what happened from the professionals who were present on the dreadful day and from the medical profession but the Surrey Police claim not to know this. We don’t know quite why it happened and Surrey Police claim not to know this either and definitely don’t want to tell us. They are supposed to be grown up and speak for themselves but somebody in authority is frightened and under pressure to keep quiet. Who’s pulling their strings?
By their silence those in charge of Surrey Police have let down their own Police Force and have painted a very poor picture of policing in the United Kingdom.
Worse still, they have let down the “ordinary coppers on the beat” who so often give us that same humane help and support when we have difficulties. They should be setting them a professional example not training them to sow seeds of confusion and invite speculation.
As a result of their silence, speculation is rife in the community, tales that would be a credit to the brothers Grimm are circulating freely and all because they have failed to release the Truth About Zane. 
Surrey Police are discredited as a competent body. Nobody will now believe anything they say. If they issued a statement saying that it was raining we would all have to go outside and have a look…Could do better. Tell us the Truth About Zane.

Anoop Hothi  6:30 AM on 26/5/2014
What ever happened to promoting 'the three  pillars of sustainable development'?
This stinking cover-up by no good local and national authorities and govt bodies is scandalous! What kind of country are we living-in where the death of a 7 year old child goes unanswered for almost 4+ months?!
The authorities need to realise that their 'wall of silence' is shambolic and those of us with enough common sense can see right through it.
These two-faced authorities need to come clean so lessons can be learnt, and most importantly, much needed and overdue action can be taken to deal with contaminated land immediately...and then lock them all up (those persons within the authorities trying to cover this all up) and throw away the key.

 
Angelique Richards  12:24pm on 25/5/2014
Why why why have Nicole and Kye not had answers. It is bad enough that they are in so much pain over the loss of Zane and they don't know why. It is disgraceful and unacceptable that someone at the Environmental Agency knows about the landfill site and has not provided answers as to why contamination wasn't revealed by the environmental search when Nicole and Kye bought the house back in 2004. When was it put on the records, what changed to cause a neighbours search and a recent search to show contamination, why weren't they told of the change. They need answers as to what happened. This should never have happened. Someone needs to hold their hands up, not tomorrow, not next week or another 17 weeks time NOW.
Nicole and Kye you have my full support.

Suella Ritchie  3:52 PM on 25/5/2014
The authorities, council and anyone else involved in this cover up should hang their heads in shame. No one should loose
their life through negligence but to then try have this covered up by the 'criminals' is totally unacceptable. Kye & Nicole will not stop, neither will the strong force of family & friends behind them. Zane's life is too precious to us all, we will fight for justice and prevention of lives being lost in the future!

Paul Marsden  1:16 PM on 25/5/2014
The CEO,s Of Surrey County Council and Spelthorne BC David McNulty and Roberto Tambini should realise whilst their officials make contradictory claims over contaminated land, a Beautiful, Talented, Fun and Fit 7 year old has lost his
life.
Are you executives going to ignore this ?. Provide the data and the monitoring to the community and Family.

Laurence Gamlen  12:50 PM on 25/5/2014
Having seen a copy of the environmental search for Thameside that clearly demonstrates the land is designated
contaminated, I find it hard to accept Surrey County Council's 'head in the sand' attitude saying that there is nothing to be concerned about. If that is the case, please provide the evidence. In the meantime SCC have joined with the Police in saying very little. This incident happened in early February, we are now at the end of May and many important questions are still left unanswered. 
Time for answers and enquiries, please so that this tragic event can't happen again.

Liz Gamlen  12:28 PM on 25/5/2014

Its time for those 'in the know' to show compassion to a heartbroken family. The truth about Zane is within your gift.........please exercise your responsibilities with humility and kindness.

Debbie Carling and Family
5:58am on 25/5/2014 
Zane's house is empty with a danger sign across the door, flowers are still being left for him. Kye and Nicole are on the most dfficult journey, one that we cannot even image. The truth about what happened to Zane and has made Kye so ill must be released. This wall of silence is imply unacceptable. We must all help Nicole and Kye find the truth.

Liam Cullen  11:09 AM on 25/5/2014
It is unbelievable that any parents should have to fight this hard just to find out the cause of death for their child. The amount of anguish and suffering they are being put through by the local authorities is despicable and the very least they deserve is to know what led to the loss of their son and an open and full explanation as to why it has taken this long for them to be told.

Isobel Treasure  2:26 AM on 25/5/2014
It is about time we found out the truth about what happened. You are not telling me that in this day and age we can't
find out answers, not only for Kye and Nicole but the rest of the community who are still in shock at the loss of a lovely, healthy, happy little boy. Every day I look at my 3 children and wonder....
Thinking of you Kye and Nicole everyday and Zane, who will never be forgotten
  xxx

Shaun Fothergill  8:17 AM on 24/5/2014
It beggars belief that Nicole & Kye are still waiting for answers. What can possibly be taking this long? Plus who will be the next child or adult to be affected or even killed by Hydrogen Cyanide on this clearly contaminated land? Where is the contamination coming from, how far does it spread and what can we do to protect our community and loved one?

Claire Cookson Nee Cullen  7:28 AM on 24/5/2014
We must all support Nicole and Kye, they deserve to be told the truth! This couple have been forced to face the most
tragic situation parents could possibly face, to not be given answers just compounds their grief further. If this has happened to their family there is no reason why it wont happen to others. We just can't allow this to happen. 
Nicole and Kye are wonderful, caring, compassionate people always giving to others, it is now our time to support them to find the Truth About Zane. Our love and thoughts are with them both.
 
Paul Marsden 11:52 PM on 24/5/2014
Why is it a family has to go through this torment just to find out the truth!!! 17 weeks and still no answer to the cause
of young Zane's passing, 17 weeks and still and Kye is still unable to walk. Truth About Zane will Not Go Away a grieving family needs answers, To the agencies and government bodies, YOU NEED TO STAND UP AND STEP FORWARD WITH THE TRUTH !!!

Vicky Radburn  9:40 PM on 24/5/2014
How can this be aloud to go on , kye and Nicole should have had answers weeks ago. A loss of such a beautiful boy and why is there not a panic to find out why. This is putting more people at risk. 
Lots of love to kye and Nicole, zane is always in our hearts.

April-Louise Pennant  8:43 PM on 24/5/2014 
And after all of this time, there are still no answers about the tragic loss of my little cousin's life.It is crazy that his parents are still suffering and been kept in the dark!Something needs to be done.We will never give up.

Lydia Gamlen  7:11PM on 24/5/2014
It is so wrong that Kye and Nicole have had to keep pushing forward, at an unbearably painful and difficult time, to try and
obtain the TRUTH about what happened to their precious son. How can this happen in England in 2014? How can anybody be certain that this won't happen again?
When will Zane's parents be able to move home?
And why are the investigative agencies charged with protecting us WITHHOLDING information that is not only needed by Zane's parents, but by the general public?
All of our children are at risk when one healthy boy dies with supposedly no answer, this cannot happen again.

Ralph Evans  5:24 PM on 24/5/2014

I cannot believe that in England today this is allowed to happen. A wonderful child has lost his life and his father is paralysed. And 17 weeks later the family still has no answers about what caused this tragedy. We need to know who is responsible for this cover-up and make sure it will never happen again. We need to know that the people in charge of our safety are doing their jobs and not hiding the truth. Let Nicole and Kye and the public know the truth! We will continue this campaign till we get the answers - as long as it takes!

Evamaria Friedli  4:46 PM on 24/5/2014

After so many weeks Nicole and Kye still have no answers what caused their wonderful and lovely son's death and Kye's
illness. It makes me speechless. But we will not stay quiet. We want answers and, like Kye and Nicole, to make sure that this is not going to happen again.
If the agencies, that are trying to hide the truth, think we will give in if they let us wait and wait, they're wrong. The longer it
takes the louder we will become with our call for answers! We owe it to Zane and all the other children and families that might be affected to a later date by this cover-up.
Kye and Nicole have my full support - for as long as it takes to find the TruthAboutZane!!

Martin Elliott  3:46 PM on 24/5/2014
Why no mention of the Coroner's officers investigations for Zane's inquest ?

Zoe Blackmore Evans  3:34 PM on 24/5/2014
The loss of Zane has impacted everyone that knew him. Nothing will bring him back but the fact that the cause of death is
being covered up is disgusting. We all need justice for Zane. The truth will come out sooner or later and Nicole and Kye have my support. As a family we will fight for the truth!

Joanna Fernandes  3:09 PM on 24/5/2014
Such a tragic loss of a beautiful little boy. It is absolutely shocking that Nicole and Kye still have no answers and are having to fight so hard to reveal the truth. I urge everyone to show their support in the quest for the Truth About Zane.

Carol Bartlett  11:17 AM on 24/5/2014
17 agonising weeks and still no answers, my heart aches for Kye & Nicole. We will never tire in our search for finding
the truth. To the agencies who have failed in their duty to protect, a public inquiry is called for!!

Emma Natalie Dawn Hourican  12:32PM on 26/5/2014

So important for the family who have suffered a tragic loss to find out what happened! Thinking of the family at this difficult time and think we should definitely find out the truth about Zane!

Ileana Olympia Polycarpou
It's important for this family who have suffered such a tragic loss to be provided with some answers. Not only so that they can begin to understand what happened but also so as to make sure that others in the area and all over Britain are not at risk. My thoughts are with Kye and Nicole at this difficult time
xxx

Keith Beaumont-Martin  9:00 AM on 26/5/2014
It is absolutely shocking that after all this time, there is still no cause of death for Zane. The question is "WHY" have the authorities not considerable more, or even anything!! to help Nicole &Kye to find out the truth behind this horrific tragedy. The anguish and torment the family are being put through can not be put into words. We "ALL" need to support this cause #TruthaboutZane# TAZ. Answers are needed, this family cannot fight this alone!!
Thinking of you Kye and Nicole everyday and Zane, who will never be forgotten. xxx


6 Comments

Zane Gbangbola's family wait for answers over his death

14/5/2014

7 Comments

 
ITV News' Luke Hanrahan reports

The parents of Zane Gbangbola have spoken of their pain to ITV London as they continue to wait for answers over their son's death.

The seven-year-old died after suffering a heart attack at their home in Chertsey, Surrey during the floods in February.

His father Kye Gbangbola suffered a cardiac arrest and remains paralysed from the waist down.

"I'm broken literally. I don't know how to assemble any kind of focus on life and what it's about. It's something which is truly just unbearable for us," Mr Gbangbola said.

"No-one should experience going to bed laughing, joking as we always did in our house and wake up like this."

Police, unable to establish what happened to the family, have referred the case to the Home Office who have failed to provide any answers yet.

A Surrey Police statement said: "The investigation into Zane's death remains on-going. A post-mortem examination carried out on Tuesday 11th February did not establish a clear cause of death and we await the results of further tests which are expected to take a number of weeks.

"It would be wrong to speculate on the cause of death at this stage. Officers continue to provide updates to Zane's family. We fully appreciate this is difficult time as we wait for updates."


Go to original article ITV 
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