Pollution continues at south Warwickshire river for third month
FOUL petrol smelling pollution continues to pour into the River Dene at Wellesbourne and is now in its third month.
Residents remain dismayed that no solution to the pollution appears to have been found despite investigations by the Environment Agency.
Peter Vale-Humphreys lives in Wellesbourne and walks along the river most days for exercise and he’s observed the pollution as it flows underneath the White Bridge area of the Dene where the spill is at its worst.
“I am very concerned about the wildlife,” Peter said. “We used to have a Kingfisher here which I believe is quite rare. I haven’t seen it for a while so it might have moved up to Walton where the water is fresher. My worry is that other wildlife will drink the water and become ill. The Environment Agency has installed a containment boom which is holding back the pollution but if we have heavy rain the pollution sweeps over the barrier. There’s still a strong smell of petrol which everyone comments on.”
He visited the site on Tuesday and spoke with passers-by who said they were “equally concerned about the length of time the problem has existed and that we were no nearer a solution.”
Peter added: “The riverbed is now saturated and petroleum fuel is rising to the surface and providing the rainbow type colourations as the water flows towards Charlecote. Let’s hope we can get this problem sorted once and for all. I wrote to the environment portfolio holder in government but even my follow up wasn’t acknowledged. I hope it’s not an indication of no interest. An acknowledgement would be appreciated but it seems too much to ask.”
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “Our officers are working with Warwickshire County Council to try to establish where the pollution is coming from.
“We are awaiting the results of an investigation into the potential source and keeping Wellesbourne and Walton Parish Council fully informed.
“In the interim, we are maintaining the deployment of a containment boom to prevent downstream contamination.
“If local residents have environmental concerns they should call our hotline on 0800 80 70 60.”
