Red diesel spillage at Shipley Country Park

A local fishing club reported the incident to park rangers on Wednesday after spotting diesel in Adam's Pond at the Derbyshire County Council-owned site.

The Environment Agency has installed a boom and absorbent mats in the pond to contain the leak, which has also reached the nearby Osborne's Pond.

Paul Reeves, Environment Officer at the Environment Agency said, “Our clean up team have deployed absorbent booms and pads that will contain the leak as well as soaking it up. As oil floats on the surface of the water, we are hoping that any damage to the ponds is limited.”

The Environment Agency is monitoring the water quality and investigating the spillage to find out how and where the diesel entered the pond.

This latest incident follows a cyanide spillage from a nearby business which contaminated the pond in February 2018.

“We’ll continue to take advice from the Environment Agency about the steps needed to decontaminate the water and limit any damage.

“While the advice is to stay away from the water, the park is still safe to use and we’re pleased people are continuing to visit and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.”