COUNCIL staff helped to avoid a potentially hazardous situation after a carton of hydrochloric acid washed up on a beach.

Worthing Town Hall call centre staff were contacted by a member of the public who said a five-litre container containing the highly corrosive substance had been found.

Unsure what to do with it, the Worthing resident said he had taken the hazardous substance back to his house and called the local authority to find out what he should do.

A member of the councils’ waste and cleansing team was quickly dispatched to dispose of the chemical properly.

Councillor Clive Roberts, Worthing Borough Council’s executive member for the environment, said: “We are fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful areas of the UK with a vibrant collection of flora and fauna.

“Thanks to the quick-thinking nature of the our council staff a potentially damaging environmental situation was averted.

“Usually in this situation we advise residents to dispose of hazardous chemicals at the household waste recycling sites either in Brighton Road, Shoreham or Willowbrook Road, Worthing.”

Hydrochloric acid can burn skin on contact while inhalation can cause irritation of the eyes and nose, with sore throats, headaches, fever, tachycardia and confusion all potential side-effects.

For more details on hazardous materials, call West Sussex County Council’s waste management on 01243 777595.