Flintshire County Council Chief Executive Colin Everett said: "Euticals Limited, a pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Sandycroft, has implemented increased site security and is applying an operations plan as a public safety measure.

"This is because a substantial quantity of potentially explosive pharmaceutical material - Isosorbide Dinitrate (ISDN Pure) - has been identified on the site following a recent joint inspection by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Environment Agency Wales. Euticals Limited has temporarily ceased its operations pending laboratory analysis of the material and a permitted plan for its treatment and/or removal from the site to reduce the risk to public safety.

"Members of the public and other companies in the vicinity will be advised of any specific precautions that need to be taken as and when necessary. Further announcements will be made when there are any further developments.

"Euticals is cooperating with the statutory agencies, including Flintshire County Council, the Health and Safety Executive, Environment Agency Wales, Police, Fire, and Health Agencies, who are working closely together to monitor and regulate the situation. The statutory agencies are providing advice to Euticals Limited to assist it in managing the risks."

"Flintshire County Council is delivering a public information bulletin to up to 3000 local residents and businesses in the area. This will include the Council's usual Streetscene public contact number 01352 701234.

"A separate letter is also being issued by the company."