THERE were fears that Bridgwater’s main employer – Cellophane – could be “crippled” by new European rules because of the pollutants that were being discharged into the River Parrett.

The company was undergoing a 12-month test to monitor the pollutants and if found to be breaking the new EC laws then it would be told to clean up its act no matter what the cost.

The company said if it comes to the crunch it would have to calculate what costs the business can stand if expensive purification plant had to be installed.

Former technical manager for Cellophane worldwide Pete Lancaster said: "We will be making a very concentrated effort over the next month.

"We do not think we will be too far away from their standards by carrying out internal modifications.

"But having said that, I have to qualify that statement.

"We don't actually know what standards we're trying to meet.

"We are confident we can meet reasonable standards."

TWO construction students from Bridgwater College won the junior pairs competition organised by the South West builders Federation.

Nigel Higgs, 17 and Richard Bridge, 17 produced an excellent piece of work to beat of the challenge from 10 other colleges.

Senior lecturer at the college, Jim Thomson said: "They have produced good work during their college course culminating in this fine achievement of winning the South West competition."