PROMPT action by Evesham fireman and the Environment Agency averted what could have been a major disaster to wildlife along Badsey Brook.

The firemen and their environmental protection unit were called in when an oil spillage was spotted in the water in the Blackminster area last Sunday morning.

They found that there was oil pollution, believed to be red diesel from a leak, along a three-mile stretch and they put out oil booms to soak up the oil and prevent it reaching the river Avon.

Sub Officer John Lawrie, of Evesham fire station, said: "We traced the source to a diesel leak, which had been going on for some times from new pipes.

"The cold weather had helped stop the leak but the thaw caused it to flow again.

"We also discovered it had got into a land drain which discharges into the brook."

He added: "The Environment Agency is now advising the firm concerned on future practices."

Sub Officer Lawrie said the contamination in the brook was likely to last for two to three weeks and that the firefighters and the Environment Agency would continue to monitor the situation.

He explained: "The brook is slightly polluted and there is a thin film of residue on the top of the water but there is no danger to wildlife."

Lyn Fraley, spokesman for the environment agency, said: "We have got booms out in three places on Badsey Brook to stop the oil floating down river, and oil absorbent material put down to soak up the oil.

As far as she knew, no fish had been killed as a result of the leakage, and everything was "under control."