TAX PAYERS in Hyndburn have been warned to expect a massive increase in council tax after it was revealed more than 400 sites in the borough could need decontaminating.

Council bosses revealed the results of a government-ordered inspection into the number of contaminated locations at a meeting of the policy and resources committee.

Some 400 sites across the borough have been identified as being contaminated -- meaning they are a risk to human health, the water supply, ecosystems or properties if building work was carried out.

Many of the sites are so-called brownfield sites -- ones which have been used in the past but are now derelict.

Much of the pollution and contamination was caused by businesses operating during Hyndburn's industrial peak -- from the 1830s until after the First World War -- and council officers are expecting the borough to foot most of the bill to make the sites safe again.

Companies still in existence and found to have been the cause of contamination -- which could have been caused by dumping or through business practises which are dangerous to the environment -- will be expected to cough up for the repairs.

The report to the policy and resources committee will now be sent to the department for the Environment for approval before a priority order of sites is drawn up.

But council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "I will warn people now, this essential work is probably going to result in increased taxes."