Updated: July 1, 2009
Fire crews cordon off Highbridge river bank in chemical alert

PART of a river bank in Highbridge remains sealed off today (Wednesday, July 1st) after two metal detector users unearthed a drum containing unknown chemicals on Tuesday.

The discovery next to the River Brue led to the call-out of fire crews and Environment Agency investigators, who are still trying to determine whether the contents of the drum are toxic.

Fire spokeswoman Tessa Farrow confirmed to Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Two fire crews from Burnham were called to The Clyce at 9.50am after two metal detector users unearthed a 50 gallon drum next to the river."

"On investigation, it was found to contain blue crystals. The incident was left in the care of the Environment Agency."

Ronnie Jones from the Environment Agency added: "The Environment Agency were contacted by the fire brigade after two people with metal detectors discovered a corroded metal drum containing an unknown substance."

"It was discovered near one of our structures, about half a mile from Highbridge Clyce."

He also told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "We have reburied the canister as a precaution and are sending the substance off for analysis tomorrow, Wednesday."

"Once it has been identified, the container will be removed form the site."

"It is worth noting that the drum is heavily corroded and we believe it may have been buried for up to 30 years."

"It may well have been dumped in this remote area in the 1970s. We have contacted the Health Protection Agency as a precaution and are liaising with local authorities."

Our photos show the scenes besides the River Brue in Highbridge on Tuesday