About 1,000 people protest rumored relocation of petrochemical plant to Shanghai suburb

About 1,000 residents of a Shanghai suburb are protesting a report that a petrochemical plant may be moved to their neighborhood, although authorities have dismissed the report as untrue.

The protest Wednesday evening reflects growing public concern about the environmental impact of projects such as petrochemical plants, as well as the public's deep distrust of local governments.

Demonstrators gathered outside the local government compound in Jinshan district, holding up banners and chanting slogans against the possible relocation of a paraxylene plant to Jinshan. Paraxylene is a chemical used to produce fibers and plastics.

The district government issued a statement saying the plant, now in Pudong district, would not be relocated but closed down.