RESIDENTS worried about their health after workmen sprayed lime have been told they are now safe.

Environmental health chiefs made an investigation into the spreading of lime at the development on the site of Bolton Wanderers' former Burnden Park ground in Manchester Road

And they said the company had agreed to mix the lime with soil in the future, a practice which prevents it from becoming airborne.

The officers, who work for the pollution control department at Bolton Council's environmental services, spoke to the bosses of Alderley Edge-based Jones Contracts after people living near to the development complained about eye and chest problems.

The lime -- which is used to dry the ground -- also covered cars and houses. Problems arose, according to an environmental health spokesman, when workmen sprayed lime during the recent strong winds which meant it became airborne. The spokesman added: "We are keeping the site under observation."

The workmen are building Woolworth's flagship store Big W. A petrol station and possibly a leisure complex may be built alongside it.