COUNCILLORS who dramatically closed a children's playground amid fears that cancer causing chemicals were in the soil today said they hoped to have a conclusive answer on contamination by the end of next week.

Rossendale Borough Councillor Neil Smith said more bore holes were to be dug into land off Northfield Road in Rising Bridge after traces of mineral oil, zinc and Toulene were found in the earth.

The play area was swiftly closed by the authority after workmen from Rossendale Groundwork discovery it was contaminated and equipment was removed.

A 6ft high fence and red danger signs have since been erected at the site, while local residents received warning letters telling them to keep off the area and away from the nearby watercourse.

Mr Smith said: "A quote for more bore holes has been accepted by the council and the work is due to go ahead.

"They will determine whether the contamination is localised as we suspect or more widespread.

"We closed the playground as a precaution and do not believe there is a problem there but either way we hope to have information that will allow us to make a decision on it by the end of next week."