THE Environment Agency has appealed for people to dispose of waste oil responsibly after a brook in Victoria Park, Malvern, was polluted.

Severn Trent officers were alerted last week following complaints from neighbours in Park Close. Malvern Town Council erected a temporary barrier around the brook.

EA spokeswoman Lyn Fraley said there was very little chance of finding who was responsible for dumping the oil in the brook.

"We have booms and absorbent pads in place and there's no evidence that the oil is still coming down," she said. "We're going to be monitoring the oil-absorbent materials and will replace them if necessary."

Ms Fraley said domestic users with oil to dispose of should take it to the Newlands wate site. Commercial users should pay a registered contractor to carry out the task.