Park oil spill 'a catastrophe'

The oil spill has killed several birds and others are being treated

A major clean up is under way after an industrial oil leak has been discovered at a beauty spot in Cardiff.

The incident at Roath Park Lake, which has killed a number of birds, has been described as an "environmental catastrophe" by a leading politician.

It could take up to a week to clean up the lake, according to the Environment Agency.

Roath Park Lake is a popular attraction

It is thought that transformer oil had leaked into Roath Park Lake for at least 24 hours before the source was identified.

At least three water birds have been killed and others have been taken away for treatment by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

The Environment Agency says the source of the pollution was from an industrial estate at Llanishen, in north Cardiff.

'Catastrophe'

The agency has spoken to the company responsible, and is now considering whether to prosecute.

Roath Park Lake is one of the most popular recreation areas in Cardiff and Jenny Randerson, Assembly Member for Cardiff Central, described the incident as an environmental catastrophe for the city.

She has called for the company responsible to be prosecuted and made to pay for the clean-up operation.