RADIOACTIVE waste which has been buried for more than three decades beneath what is now a busy industrial estate is not dangerous, council chiefs have assured residents.

Occupants of industrial units at Hendon, Sunderland, were shocked by a report on the effects of a southern radial route, which revealed the whereabouts of the site.

The report was carried out by the Baptie Group, of Newcastle, as part of an application for changes to the radial road's route.

According to the report, notes on both British Telecom and Northern Electric Services plans refer to the site with radioactive debris on Commercial Road, just north of Vane Terrace.

Maurice Blythe, personal officer for Thompson's Builders, said: "I have been working here for 16 years and did not have a clue about this.

"We were really shocked and surprised when we heard the news."

Sunderland City Council engineering head Andy Morris said: "This is low-risk ash from a fire in a factory shed many years ago.

"It is buried in a 10ft hole with the top of the ash 5ft 6in below the surface. It is understood the ash was tested after the event and no reading was detected."

He added: "Its technical name is Americium 90, a low-level radioactive element used in industry.

"The Alpha category denotes the lowest level of radioactive energy.

"It is stable and presents no danger to the public, if left undisturbed."

The site will not be affected by any road plans.