A DRUGS company has moved on to the Harwell Laboratory site - now being transformed into a hi-tech business and science technology park.

Energiser has taken over 2,500 sq ft of offices - marking a breakthrough in the effort to persuade outside companies to set up at the renamed Harwell International Business Centre for Science and Technology.

Property agents have had their work cut out to overcome a backlash from reports and surveys suggesting radiation leaks arising from nuclear work - including decommissioning old test reactors and plant - at the 730-acre Harwell site pose a problem for prospective tenants.

But the business centre commercial manager Ian Rodham told the Oxford Mail: "We seek to reassure companies that things that go on at Harwell do not pose a risk. We would not lease property to anyone if there was any level of risk."

Mr Rodham said Energiser was particularly attracted to the site by the development opportunities that exist for future expansion, as well as the extensive existing infrastructure and facilities.

Energiser organises a number of seminars and conferences relating to cancer research, and the on-site facilities will allow many of these to take place at Harwell.

Energiser director Prof David Young described the move to Harwell as ideal.

He said: "We will be surrounded by an established network of companies working in the fields of science and technology."

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