An investigation into claims that the radioactive discharges from a Cardiff factory was causally linked with higher still births and infant deaths has found no evidence to support the claims.

The results of the investigation into the Nycomed Amersham plant at Whitchurch were announced on Tuesday by Welsh Assembly First Secretary Rhodri Morgan.

This followed the publication of a report claiming that tritium emissions from the plant were linked to infant mortality rates and still births in the city.

Mr Morgan said: "After studying advice from the experts in this field, there is no evidence to substantiate these claims, which may well have caused concern for nearby residents."

Evidence was compiled by Bro Taf Health Authority, the National Radiological Protection Board and the Environment Agency.

The investigation followed claims by Hugh Richards into possible links between tritium and infant deaths.

Nycomed Amersham said it hoped that the Assembly's conclusions into discharges from the plant "puts an end to the matter and that Mr Richards withdraws his claims".

'Scare-mongering'

But Mr Richards said he had conducted new research into the issue and intended to present his work to the National Assembly.

Amersham site services director Grahame Guilford said: "We expect legitimate public interest in the impact of our activities. However, sensationalist scare-mongering helps no-one.

"We are delighted the Assembly has helped to put the record straight by dismissing Mr Richards' claims."

The company said the allegations had caused considerable distress to some local residents and staff at the plant.

Lindsey Jones, of the IPMS union, which represents more than 300 workers at the Whitchurch site, said the claims had caused a lot of distress to the union's members and their families

Ms Jones said to see the claims publicly dismissed was a "relief to us all".