Samples are being taken at allotments in Sunderland to check for levels of toxic lead in the soil. Earlier tests at the plots, on Corporation Road in Hendon, revealed higher than average lead content.
Sunderland City Council has now written to all allotment-holders, informing them that researchers will be carrying out the tests.
In the meantime, people are warned not to eat produce grown on the site, or allow children to play in the soil.
Concerns were originally raised in May, when routine soil samples taken from the area during preparatory work for the Southern Radial Route, showed that while traces of most metal were below or similar to UK guidelines, lead levels were slightly above average.
Norma Johnston, from the council's environmental services department, said: "We'll know better once the tests are completed whether any further precautions are necessary and we will of course keep allotment holders informed."
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