16 July 2012 Last updated at 08:06 ET

Colchester council offices closed over 'chemical leak'

Staff have been moved out of the building in Colchester while the incident is investigated

An independent review is under way into the cause of a suspected chemical leak at council offices twice evacuated within 10 days.

Fire crews were sent to Essex House in Colchester after staff complained of dizziness and sickness on 9 July.

It was the second chemical scare in less than a fortnight at the building, which houses Essex County Council call centre staff.

The building remains closed as efforts to find the cause continue.

In the most recent incident, 11 people were seen by paramedics.

A council spokesman said staff would not return to the building until they can be reassured "every possible check" had been made.

He said: "The independent review is now under way at Essex House with several specialists thoroughly investigating the entire building.

"Whist this is carried out we will continue to operate our business continuity plan and aim to have a normal service resumed very soon.

"We have as many staff as possible dealing with calls and all our lines are open. However we are operating from an alternative location and ask people calling in for their patience.

"We would also like to make people aware that they may have to wait longer than usual for their call to be answered."