Environment Agency investigating pollution in Leighton Buzzard brook

An investigation is ongoing after pollution was reported in Leighton Buzzard's Clipstone Brook.

A "foul smelling", grey liquid was spotted in the water at Parson's Close Close Recreation Ground on September 2, following previous incidents this summer.

Pollution in the brook. Image supplied by cllr Harvey.

placeholder image — Pollution in the brook. Image supplied by cllr Harvey.

The Environment Agency has been made aware – and says that investigations are "currently ongoing".

Chris Stevenson, a member of Friends of Clipstone Brook, said: "It's obviously going to affect the fish in the brook, and it leaves a lot of debris – brick dust and mud, and generally leaves the place in a mess.

Pollution in the brook - the source point. Image supplied by cllr Harvey.

"I think that they [the company responsible] don't know it's happening.

"It lasted about two hours [on September 2] before it stopped. But by then the damage is done and it's half way through the town."

Warning parents, he added: "Obviously, children play in the brook regularly – we're not sure what affect it [the pollution] will be having on them."

Central Bedfordshire Councillor Victoria Harvey, claimed: "I think it's from one of the industrial units along Grovebury Road. It was certainly there for a few hours [on September 2].

Pollution in July. Image: Leighton-Linslade Town Council.

"I know of another incident in Clipstone Brook a few months ago. Someone is not being very careful."

Councillor Harvey wished to remind residents that anything that is washed down a drain ends up in the river – and that this could harm wildlife.

She added: "This is just becoming increasingly normal. Our beautiful rivers are just seen as a dumping ground for rubbish.

"All the diesel and dust from car tyres goes straight into the brook.

"It's very, very damaging to the invertebrates which then feed the birds, the kingfishers."

The town council said it had reported an occurrence of pollution in Clipstone Brook (July 26) to the Environment Agency.

It is understood that other incidents have been reported, too.

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "Our specialist officers attended the site promptly and have identified a potential source of the pollution. Investigations into the incident are currently ongoing.

“We encourage anyone who witnesses suspected pollution to report it."

You can contact the Environment Agency via the GOV.UK website at ‘Report an Environmental Problem’ or by calling the 24 hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.