20 Oct 2011
An investigation has been launched by the Environment Agency (EA) after a chemical leak polluted a beck, causing concern for wildlife and local residents.
Water samplers from the EA have confirmed the Scarborough stream has been polluted by “high levels” of chemicals and they are checking the health of the biodiversity in the beck.
Residents living near the beck, which is on Weaponess Valley Road, have also complained of headaches and sore throats and the EA have said test results showed it was “highly likely” work at a nearby former gas works had caused the leak.
Stephen Richardson, from the EA, said: “They will check the bed of the stream and they can judge on whether anything has died and when it died and that can lead us to pinpoint if this actual event did have such an impact on this stream.”
Mr Richardson said the agency was in “close contact” with Yorkshire Water and Scarborough Borough Council following the incident and people have been urged to keep away from the stream until further notice.
Copyright Press Association 2011