TWO swans have been discovered showing signs of oil contamination in Worces-ter, just two weeks after a group were rescued in a similar incident in the city.

The Environment Agency has now appeaed for boat owners to make sure they maintain their boats properly. The two swans were discovered on the Worc-ester to Birmingham Canal in Diglis basin on Thursday night. Bishopswood Swan Rescue were called in to assess the birds.

Fire crews were called to the canal, near Southfield Street, the Arboretum, Worcester, on Friday, January 18, where a group of more than 20 swans were found to be contaminated by oil. The Environment Agency said an investigation had now been launched into the source of the pollution, which left an oily film on the water, consistent with having been caused by a discharge from the bilge of a boat. Environment Officer Michael Morris said: "It's only a couple of days since swans were returned to the canal after the last pollution incident and it's shocking to see them affected again. Boaters must make sure that they maintain their boats properly and must never allow polluting substances to be discharged from their boats, especially oil from the bilges.

"As well as producing significant harm to the environment and suffering to wildlife, causing this type of pollution is a criminal offence with maximum fine of £20,000 or up to three months imprisonment."

Anyone with information about the pollution or who want to report a pollution incident can call the agency's 24-hour emer-gency hotline free on 0800 80 70 60.