Dear Parishioners,

Just to clarify the reason why the ducks cannot go to rescue or the RSPCA is because of the current Avian Flu outbreak in wild birds which means they also cannot be dispersed to parishioners to be looked after because of the potential of spreading the flu.

The Environment Agency have come back to me and state because of resources they do not see our issue as high priority or meriting their attendance. They say given time the oil will break down. Bearing in mind the environmental impact and the effect on the ducks this is not acceptable. I have discussed the question of the contamination with them at length and given them all relevant information, they state that the oil sits on top of the water and should have little effect on the water below, they recommend skimming and oil specialist removal. I am currently in the process of speaking to the Borough Council and ascertaining if this is something they could deal with for us and what cost implications there would be. I then intend to pass the cost details onto the party that caused the issue for the attention of their insurers.

Philip Stone

Parish Clerk