A RECYCLING centre has been closed after 'hazardous material' was found.
Haslingden Recycling Centre near Clough End Road has been shut for several hours.
A police spokesman said hazardous material was found on the site.
A Lancashire County Council spokesman said: "Our Haslingden Household Waste Recycling Centre is temporarily closed to allow Lancashire Fire access."
We have a reporter at the scene.
An explosive chemical has been found in the recycling centre by a member of staff.
Three workers were evacuated and have not been allowed to get back onsite.
The bomb squad have just arrived and police have blocked off the entrance.
Sergeant Steve Mawdsley, from the Royal Logistics Corps bomb disposal unit, said: "A small container of a crystallised chemicals, containing Picric acid, was found.
"When it crystalises it gains explosive properties.
"These chemicals are very old, roughly from the 1960s.
"We will return in the early morning and detonate the chemicals.
"There will be a loud bang at around 6.30am on Tuesday."
A fire service spokesman said: "Police will remain onsite overnight to keep the area secure.
"We will return with the Royal Logistics Corps to assist."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel