HEALTH and safety experts have found “no evidence” wood dust generated near the Clarences is putting the public at risk. 

A mystery dust has gathered on cars, windows and in drains at Port Clarence for months – angering and irritating residents. 

Jean Orridge, headteacher at High Clarence Primary School, demanded action before the summer break – with children left with “stinging eyes” and skin complaints.

But inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have carried out tests nearby and say they have found no evidence the fine material presents a risk to public health. 

A HSE spokeswoman said: “The HSE was made aware of concerns around dust generation near High Clarence Primary School. 

“An inspector visited a nearby premises where wood dust may be generated to look into whether there were any health risks arising from the work activity, either for the workers or the public.  

“The HSE found no evidence of dust generation of a level that would put the public at risk and our intervention with the company is complete.”

Despite the findings, business and homeowners have still had to clean windows, cars and window sills on a daily basis to get rid of the fine dust. 

Last month, Stobart Energy said the dust was not believed to have come from its site.

And Stockton Council investigations into what the dust is made up of are still ongoing. 

However, health complaints persist among villagers. 

Helen Woodhouse, manager of The Village Plaice chip shop, said: “I can feel it in my nose now – it’s awful.

“It’s been a real problem – all day I have to walk around with a cloth in my hand.”

When, the 46-year-old wiped the counter glass, a film film of dark dust covered her hand. 

She said she’d contacted environmental health department at Stockton Council about the dust and it had been reported to the Environment Agency. 

Ms Woodhouse also shared concerns about the smell and source of water used to “damp down” material coming over. 

And her worries were shared by others in The Clarences. 

Mother-of-two Terrie Ross said she had to keep the windows closed at her home.

She said: “The bedroom window sills are constantly covered in it and it’s been hard to keep on top of it. 

“The cars are constantly coated as well – my son has asthma and this has not helped.”

Philip Mahoney has lived in the Clarences for 40 years. 

The 58-year-old said: “It’s terrible. On some days you can see it coming over – if you leave your stuff out, it gets covered in it.”

Meanwhile, Graham Harrod, born and bred in the village, said the dust had been a “nightmare”. 

The shopkeeper added: “It’s every day – and you can see it gathering in the fridges. 

“I’ve had problems with dust coming in from wagons coming past but never anything like this.

“The kids are having to walk to school through it.”

Misting cannons are used to provide a “blanket of moisture” on “residual dust”, and regular inspections, road sweeping and monitoring of wind direction is also carried out.

At the time, a Stobart Energy spokesperson said the firm had worked with the council on its investigation and the authority “did not believe the dust was originating from its site”. 

Alex Cunningham, Stockton North MP, wanted answers about what the mystery dust was. 

The Labour MP said: “Residents and local businesses deserve answers about the nature and source of the pollution, and I have been pressing the council to provide them with information as quickly as possible.

“Following interventions from myself and others, the council agreed to carry out several tests which are now being analysed and they should have a fuller understanding of the issue by the end of August.

“I’m sure the council will also take action against the polluters once they find out the source and ensure they put a stop to the problem.  

“There needs to be a clear message that pollution of this nature is totally unacceptable at the Clarences or anywhere else – and offenders will not get off lightly.”

A test site has been set up at the primary school with a “direction capture device” in place to work out what the material contains. 

A spokesman for Stockton Council said: “Samples are still being taken from the area and monitoring will continue while their analysis is completed.”

Stobart has been contacted for comment.