HEALTH fears have gripped residents living near the former Burnden Park site after workmen sprayed lime on the ground.

People living near Bolton Wanderers' former home have complained of eye irritation and tight chests as the wind whipped the lime into the air.

One homeowner said the lime blew into his eyes and caused him pain for more than two hours.

Another -- an asthmatic -- told the BEN she had suffered increased attacks.

But today there was good news for residents. Site manager Stuart Lenihan said: "We have spoken to some of the residents and we won't be spraying the lime again when the wind is blowing.

"We are doing our best to avoid problems with the public and I think we have done that."

A spokesman for Pollution Control at Bolton Council's Environmental Services said the department had received a complaint and were investigating. The lime has also covered cars and houses.

And IMO car wash just yards from the site on Manchester Road, has reported an increase in trade since the workmen began spraying.

Deputy manager Wayne Fitzsimmons said: "The vehicles come here full of white dust and it can take two or three washes to get rid of it completely."

The workmen, who are employed by Jones Contracts, of Alderley Edge, are currently building a multi-million pound Woolworths store on the former Burnden Park site. The lime is used to dry the ground as part of the building preparations.

Michael Aldred, aged 37, of Webster Street, Burnden, said: "There's a real gritty feel to the air and it just covers the houses and cars in the street."

Tracey Lyons, 35, of Alfred Street, added: "The window cleaner said it is taking far longer to clean the windows now and he's started to charge double.

"It's affecting my health. I now have to use my inhaler so much more at night. I'm asthmatic and it really gets on my chest."

One resident, Paul Dean, said workmen laughed at him when he rubbed his eyes to get rid of the dust. He said: "I asked them if it was harmful and one of them told me they had been issued with sterile eye wash in case it got into their eyes.

"I'm very concerned for my health. I know one elderly lady who has developed a very bad chest since all of this started."

The impressive brick and metal structure will be the centrepiece of a regenerated Burnden Park site. A petrol station and a possible leisure complex may be built alongside it.

The Burnden Park pitch, torn up after Bolton Wanderers left for their new stadium at Middlebrook in 1997, will become the development's car park.