It has been reported that inhabitants of Mapua want medical services to begin for people exposed to toxic chemicals, at the time of the earlier Fruitgrowers Chemical Company's site cleaning.

Biological testing of chemicals has been demanded and residents want their houses to be cleared up of toxic dust.

Last night, about 30 people assembled at the Mapua Community Hall, and proposed suggestions in reaction to a public health report released by the Ministry of Health, in March.

According to residents, at the site cleanup, which occurred between 2004 and 2008, people were exposed to toxic chemicals through dust, water, food and direct contact with soil.

But the ministry believes that threats caused by the site have not led to long-term health effects.

The meeting last night was run by Matthew Allen, with whom the ministry has made a deal to coordinate with the community.

Mapua resident, Jill Reade, stated, "For goodness sake, set something up so there's a safety net down the track and you should qualify for the safety net without having to jump through hoops. It's a small group of people; we are not talking huge amounts of money".

According to Mr. Allen, a medical support service had been started for residents affected by the Paritutu chemicals' factory in New Plymouth.