Mystery oil slick in Aldingbourne rife

At least six people have contacted the Environment Agency to alert them to the pollution in the river as it flows through Bognor Regis.

But the agency’s initial investigations have failed to find the fuel’s source. Its spokesman asked residents for their help to enable them to stop it damaging the environment.

One person alarmed by the appearance of the oil was Glenwood Estate resident Kathy Porter. “There are a pair of swans there and you could see the tide mark left by the oil on their feathers,” she said.

“We want someone to take note of this situation. There was a nasty film of oil on the surface of the water this month. It must be coming from somewhere.”

The recent appearance of the oil followed sightings last year, said Mrs Porter.

The Environment Agency spokesman said its workers had walked the rife through the Bognor area since it received reports of the oil on March 4.

“We have walked along there every day since then,” he said last week. “But we believe the oil is intermittent. There is a slick one day and nothing the next.

“We would appreciate it if readers could contact us on our free 24-hour emergency number 0800 807660 when they do see the oil. We will follow up every report that we receive.”

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