LOCAL wildlife in and around the River Wey could be under threat if residents do not take care when disposing of dangerous pesticides, the Environment Agency has warned.

The stark warning came after a portion of the river was found to have been contaminated.

Recent tests revealed the river running through the Bordon area contained a dangerous insecticide found in a wide range of products - some of which are found in the home.

The result has been a reduction in the number of invertebrates found in the town's stretch of the river and has prompted the agency into asking for help in protecting the river in both Hampshire and Surrey to prevent a reoccurrence.

The agency said people need to be more vigilant about disposing of pesticides, and must never pour them down the drain. It said that it may seem harmless to get rid of left over pesticide this way, but that even small amounts can kill wildlife, and may put humans at risk.

The agency is asking anyone who uses insecticides and pesticides, either at home or at work, to follow this advice:

l Never pour unwanted chemicals down an open drain, the sink or sewer

l Never wash out pesticide containers and pour the washings down the sink or drains

l Never let any pesticide seep into ground, puddles, ponds, ditches or rivers

As little as a teaspoon of some pesticides can be enough to kill all the wildlife in a small stream, and as little as a teacup could be enough to make the water supply to a city the size of London unsafe.

Although most pesticides target specific pests, they can kill other species once they enter the environment, and have a particularly high potential to pollute water.

As well as fish and valuable invertebrates such as mayfly and snails, creatures such as otters, water voles and some bats depend on river.

Colin Chiverton, agency environment manager, said: "People are often not aware that even tiny amounts of some chemicals can have a devastating effect on the environment.

"Each and every one of us can have an impact on reducing the risk of pollution by disposing of pesticides and other chemicals carefully."

Anyone in any doubt about how to get rid of chemicals used in the garden or home, is asked to contact either Hampshire County Council or Surrey County Council for advice on how to dispose of them safely.

Hampshire County Council has said that there are nine special household recycling centres in the county where hazardous chemicals can be taken.

It also pointed out that a European Union (EU) ruling outlawing around 80 garden chemical products means that gardeners can continue using them until the end of the year, but must have got rid of them all, safely, by March 2004.

In East Hampshire the chemicals can only be taken to the recycling centre in Station Road, Bordon, as no other household recycling centre in the district has the correct disposal equipment.

In Waverley the chemicals can be taken to centres in Bourne Mill in Farnham, Petworth Road in Witley or Elmbridge Road in Cranleigh.

Materials should be kept in their original containers wherever possible, and the site manager should be informed on arrival to ensure the waste is placed in the correct disposal unit.

Hampshire County Council's executive member for environment Keith Estlin said: "Hampshire's new scheme provides the ideal solution for householders who now need to dispose of garden chemicals targeted by the EU review programme.

"In addition, the nine sites will also accept any other unwanted gardening products, chemical cleaners, anti-freeze and other potentially dangerous household substances that could pose a danger to children, animals or the environment."

The Environment Agency also has a 24 hour help line 0845 9 333 111 which offers help and advice.

Members of the public who witness possible polluters of the environment are also asked to report the details to the agency's 24-hour freephone number 0800 80 70 60.