a bid for compensation has been launched by Malvern Hills Conserva-tors following a sewage leak which killed around 530 fish in May.

The fish, mostly carp, were suffocated when a sewer overflowed into Moat Pond, Madresfield Road, Sher-rards Green.

Conservators director Ian Rowat said the board wanted compensation from Severn Trent Water, which runs the sewerage network.

The compensation would be for the environmental damage caused, remedial advice sought to ensure surviving fish make a full recovery and Conservators' staff time used.

It is thought the sewer was blocked by nappies, sending effluent into the pond.

A pump was used to improve the oxygen levels in the pond but many of the fish could not be saved. The sewage has been removed.

"If it happens overnight, with the hot weather the oxygen levels go down very quickly," said Mr Rowat.

"The bigger fish tend to run out of oxygen quicker and it was the smaller ones that survived.

"It's not easy to say how many are left but they will be supplemented all the time.

"Severn Trent were quite quick in coming out to attend but the damage had been done."

Mr Rowat added that it would be some time before the remaining fish recover.

Severn Trent Water spokesman Kate Cox said the "liquid waste" had resulted in a "minor fish kill".

She added: "We are offering to restock the pond and will be contacting the Conservators to tell them that's what we will offer.

"If the Conservators aren't happy with what we are proposing they should get in touch directly with us."

The Conservators are also seeking compensation for a separate incident in which a septic tank in Old Hollow sprang a leak, polluting neighbouring land.