THE ENVIRONMENT agency has thanked Reading residents for alerting them to an oil spill spotted in the River Kennet earlier this month.

Reports were made by residents last week after a dark cloud of oil was spotted floating in the river parallel to Elgar Road, Reading, raising concerns for the wildlife in the area that may be injured by the substance, if left unchecked.

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Although the source of the 'serious' spillage remains unknown, the nature-preserving government body the Environment Agency told The Chronicle that an investigation is ongoing, and enforcement action will be taken where appropriate.

Reading Chronicle:

A spokesman for the Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We thank the members of the public who alerted us to the serious oil spill on the River Kennet in Reading.

“Thanks to the reports from the public and prompt response of our officers we managed to minimise the environmental impacts, deploying oil-absorbent materials and booms to help contain the spread of oil.

“Only small traces of oil remain near Blakes Lock with no visible oil elsewhere.

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"We have now removed the collected oil and all booms along the River Kennet. Blakes Lock, which was closed on Friday and Saturday to help contain the spread of the oil from reaching the River Thames and further harming the environment, is now open.

Reading Chronicle:

“Our investigation to trace the source of the oil is ongoing and we will take enforcement action where appropriate.

“Anyone witnessing pollution or any other environmental incident can call our free 24-hour hotline on 0800 80 70 60.”

For more information on the Environment Agency, visit www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency.