CONTAMINATION experts are to investigate a site known to contain victims of anthrax.

Persimmon Homes is demolishing old farm buildings at Quarry Farm, Ingleby Barwick, to make way for a golf course and restaurant.

But before the site can be fully excavated, the builder must locate the anthrax pits discovered by county archaeologists in the 1970s.

Communicable disease experts and health and safety chiefs claim the risk to the public or site workers during excavation would be minimal.

However, as anthrax spores remain active for decades, precautions have been recommended for site workers.

Jeff Fairburn, of Persimmon Homes North-East, said: "Our experts are carrying out further consultations to determine as accurately as possible the location of the burial reported by the farmer."