The village of Groesfaen neighbours the quarry

Chemicals dumped at Brofiscin Quarry near Groesfaen in the 1960s have now risen to the surface, and are contaminating water on the site.

The local council, Rhondda Cynon Taf, has been carrying out tests in the homes and gardens of villagers - but says the vapour levels it has found are within normal limits.

More tests are going on at the site, which is designated as a special wildlife area.

Environment Agency Wales, Bro Taf Health Authority, Food Standards Agency and the Welsh Assembly Government have been involved in the investigations.

The council has admitted that local people will be concerned, and will establish a public exhibition next week, with a telephone helpline to explain what is going on at the quarry.

"Our main priority will be to follow up with further work to determine any degree of risk that vapours from the contaminants pose to public health and the environment," said council environment cabinet member Adrian Hobson.

It makes me scared a lot - we'll definitely be staying away Michael Haines, local resident

But local people like father-of-four Michael Haines are still worried.

He manages the busy Castell Mynach pub near the quarry.

"It's a bit worrying at the least for the health and safety of my children, who live on the premises here.

"They play in the fields, we walk the dog around the area.

"The dog tends to go down there a lot so I'll have to keep him away. It makes me scared a lot. We'll definitely be staying away."