Updated: July 2, 2009
Safety cordon lifted around unearthed chemical drum in Highbridge

A safety cordon which was introduced around this chemical drum after it was unearthed by two metal detector users in Highbridge was lifted on Thursday (July 2nd) after scientists announced that the contents inside are not toxic.

Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported on Tuesday (June 30th) that a stretch of the banks of the River Brue, near The Clyce, had been sealed off by fire crews and Environment Agency officials amid concern that the 50-gallon drum could contain chemicals.

However, a sample of the contents were sent away for scientific analysis and the results came back on Thursday (July 2nd) showing no need for concern.

Ronnie Jones from the Environment Agency told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "The lab results show the substance is a harmless dye which 30 years ago may have been used in paint. It's not a toxic substance, but every precaution was taken just in case it was harmful."

It is believed the drum may have been dumped in the remote area during the 1970s.

He added: "I would remind people that it is an offence to dig holes in flood defences. Such action could weaken them and cause flooding. We are not taking legal action in this case, but the threat is there in the future."

Our photos show the scenes around the chemical drum in Highbridge this week