HEALTH chiefs say there is no link between cancer deaths and properties in a street near Oxford.

South Oxfordshire District Council launched an investigation following concerns from a resident of Mickle Way, Forest Hill.

David Hawkins said about 20 people had died from cancer in the cul-de-sac in the last 10 years.

The investigation found a single fragment of asbestos in Mr Hawkins’ garden but concluded the area did “not pose a health risk”.

None of the deaths were related to asbestos, the investigation revealed.

Some 14 tests were carried out in April at Mr Hawkins’ home.

But the 62-year-old, who lost his sister-in-law and neighbour Rosaline Mackay to pancreatic cancer earlier this year, is still seeking answers.

He said: “Something has got to be happening in this street. They haven’t got an idea what is causing it. All I can say is that there is something here causing it.”

The retired coach driver fears for the health of wife Gillian, 62, his son Michael and partner Rebecca Hawkins and granddaughter Summer, one, who all live at the three-bedroom property.

He believes all 86 houses should have been tested and is considering asking neighbours to pool cash to hire their own experts.

He speculated that asbestos left in concrete buried in residents’ gardens when walls were replaced in the 1990s was a risk.

Fellow resident Richard Sheldon-Battle, 64, who lost his wife of 39 years Carol to pancreatic cancer in February, said: “It just seems strange.

“There are an awful lot of people in one street that have died from cancer.”

But other residents – who did not want to be quoted – expressed scepticism.

A council statement said independent environmental consultants carried out the study. Residents have been notified of its findings.

The council said: “Like many homes built in the 1930s, some in Mickle Way used asbestos to assist insulation.

“The asbestos was removed and walls replaced during development work in the 1990s.

“The tests confirmed that only a single fragment of asbestos, considered not harmful to human health, had been found well below the surface.

“All parties are therefore satisfied that this area does not pose a health risk and residents have been informed.

“It is important to note that none of the types of cancer that affected people on this street were related to asbestos contamination.”

Soha Housing Ltd – which took on the homes from the council in 1997 – brought in the consultants.

Office for National Statistics figures show that about 204 in 100,000 males and 149 in 100,000 females die of cancer each year.