A proper investigation into this appalling and long neglected affair has been too long in coming

Peter Smith, homeopath

"After so many years of being ignored by officialdom, the victims can at last have some hope of recognition and remedy."

The investigating group will be chaired by Professor Frank Woods, of Sheffield University, and includes homeopath Peter Smith and biologist Doug Cross.

Mr Smith is chairman of the Lowermoor Support Group, and has been involved in treating about 200 people affected by the incident.

Mr Smith said: "A proper investigation into this appalling and long neglected affair has been too long in coming."

Any fresh claims for compensation from the South West Water Authority arising from the inquiry will be pursued through the courts.

'Late consequences'

Two earlier inquiries were carried out by a government health advisory panel, led by Professor Dame Barbara Clayton.

In 1989 they reported there should be no long-term effects from drinking the water, but in 1991 concluded there could be "unforeseen late consequences".

In 1991, after a 17-day trial at Exeter Crown Court, South West Water Authority was fined �10,000 and ordered to pay �25,000 costs, after being convicted of causing a public nuisance by supplying water which contained amounts of the chemical likely to endanger public health or comfort.

Five years ago 148 victims accepted out-of-court damages totalling almost �400,000 in a settlement approved by a High Court judge sitting in Truro.

The settlements ranged from nearly �700 to �10,000.

But victims continued to insist their suffering had not been recognised, and their case was boosted by a 1999 report in the British Medical Journal, which said they had suffered "considerable damage" to their brain function.