HOMEOWNERS in Bolton are set to receive packets of white powder in the post -- despite fears of an anthrax attack in Britain.

Local postmen have been told to deliver the small packets to homes in a move which has angered union bosses.

They fear the packets -- which actually contain harmless baking mix -- could split, spilling out the powder on to other letters and causing mass panic.

Postal workers in the town have been formally informed their deliveries will contain the substance.

A Bolton-based postman, who asked not to be named, said: "It's one thing telling us, but customers need to know as well."

Consignia, which owns the Royal Mail, has moved quickly to allay fears.

It claims it has a duty to deliver such packages even though postmen believe they will cause alarm.

A spokesman said: "We told the postmen because we wanted to alleviate concerns they would have if the packages burst. That is very unlikely to happen. We mail 80 million items a day to homes and businesses and we do not have the power to censor items which fall within the law."

The white powder is a bread mix which is being sent by a firm called Nutricia Ltd as part of a nutrition promotion.

The product contains Glutafin, a substitute for wheat.

David Crausby, MP for Bolton North-east, said he understood people's concern but urged residents and postal workers to remain calm.

He said: "We have to be careful that we are not panicked by any white powder we see.

"There is a threat but we must also go about life as normally as possible. I don't feel the firm has acted irresponsibly.

"It is only doing what it would have done under normal circumstances."

Peter Salmon, Bolton-branch secretary of the Communication Workers' Union, disagreed with the Labour MP and said the firm sending the packages is being "insensitive".

Mr Salmon was due to talk with mail bosses later today. He said: "It's bad timing on the firm's behalf. Under the current circumstances we must be looking to alleviate fears, not contribute to them."

The letters will be delivered until November 15.

A postman told the BEN: "At the moment, anything which looks like powder in the postal system will be treated with fear and suspicion. It could scare some customers half to death."

Already customers say they are alarmed. Mr John O'Connor, aged 55, of Worsley Road, Farnworth, said: "In these times of scares over anthrax, don't Consignia realise the potential panic situations they could be causing. If a package drops on to your floor and you pick it up and discover your hands are covered in a white powder you would instantly panic.

"All this could become a reality because the powers that be at Consignia have taken on a contract without thinking through the ramifications of a few damaged packages getting delivered."

A spokesman for Nutricia Ltd, based in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, said: "Packages are only sent to those people who request them and they are securely packed. We have never had an instance of one bursting."