Oil spill clean-up halts pond safety work

A mystery oil spill has meant safety work on a pond at Shipley Country Park has been delayed.

A member of the public alerted rangers to the problem at Osborne's Pond on Sunday, who in turn called in Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Booms and temporary dams have been put in place and spills kits used to soak up the oil, while officials try to trace the source of the pollution which is coming from a pipe.

Preparation was due to start this week for construction work to improve the stability of the dam on the other side of Osborne's Pond but the water level cannot be lowered until the oil has been completely contained.

Carol Wood, cabinet member for environment, said: "Shipley Country Park remains open to walkers and other visitors but users are being urged to keep clear of Osborne's Pond as a precautionary measure.

"To ensure everyone's safety, we're warning people not to enter the water for any reason, keep children well away from the pond and make sure dogs are kept on a lead in the area to prevent them swimming in or drinking the water.

"I'd like to thank everyone involved yesterday for their quick actions and we'll continue to work alongside partner agencies in the coming days to resolve the issue as quickly as possible."

The council confirmed the Environment Agency is visiting the site to assess the situation.

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