AN anonymous caller who alerted the authorities to toxic waste buried at a factory has been praised by police.

The move came as the leader of Hyndburn Council last night ordered a investigation into how 26 drums of flammable and toxic waste came to be buried at Vernon Stainless Ltd, Oswaldtwistle, leaking fluid into the ground.

Residents were evacuated from their homes yesterday as part of Operation Merlin, a major incident procedure involving the emergency services, safety experts, health chiefs, the county and borough councils and volunteers.

A foam barrier was erected around the area to contain any possible explosion as the drums, mostly containing toluene, were removed from a hole in the ground.

Some 15 families from nearby Victoria Street and John Street, along with workers at the business, were evacuated yesterday afternoon and stayed at the nearby Merlin Court Home for the Elderly.

Temporary accommodation had been made available at Hyndburn Sports Centre, Church, where volunteers from the Hyndburn Women's Royal Voluntary Servce were on standby. But it was not needed as the site was declared safe at 5.30pm yesterday. Some drums were sealed up and left in the ground overnight with security guards keeping watch on them.

The Environment Agency was today stepping up its investigation into how the chemicals came to be buried on the site. The agency received several phone calls on Friday and Saturday about the problem and alerted the police on Monday evening. An agency spokeswoman said some of the drums had leaked but it was believed that Tinker Brook, which runs next to the site, had not been contaminated.

Inspector Steve Haworth of Lancashire police said: "Everything has been declared safe and the Environment Agency will now determine what further action is required.

"The information relating to this alert came anonymously. We are grateful that this citizen took such a responsible action."

Speaking at the first meeting of the Oswaldtwistle area council last night, Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "Toluene is a very highly toxic solvent and it is extremely serious.

"I have ordered a full inquiry as to what is going on. I do assure residents that full questions will be asked and full answers sought."

Company logistics manager and safety officer Bob Clark today said the site was safe but did not wish to comment further.

Some residents in the area believe a former employee raised the alarm at the site, which they say was formerly used by John Wood Steel Drums.

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