Beach oil spill pollution scare

Children and pets have been asked to keep clear of the stream on the beach

A beach has been polluted by heating oil after a property nearby was found to have a leaking tank.

Specialist contractors have placed booms across a stream which has carried the pollutant to Aberporth beach in Ceredigion.

The Environment Agency said the pollution at present was minor but its officers have visited the scene to assess the impact on the environment.

Adults have been asked to keep children and pets out of the stream temporarily.

It is not known how many litres have been spilled, but Ceredigion council has put up warning signs at the beach.

The Environment Agency said on Friday that the oil was detected in the Nant Gilwen stream leading out to the sea at Dolwen beach in Aberporth, near Cardigan.

The agency said the leaking oil tank had been emptied to prevent further problems. It added that "oil absorbent materials" had also been placed at the property.

Residents in Aberporth were asked to check their oil tanks for leaks last Friday.

Jonathan Willington of Environment Agency Wales said at the time: "At the moment, this is a minor incident with only a very minor oil sheen visible in the stream.

"The biggest impact is the localised odour. Rain forecast over the next two days means it is likely any further oil will be flushed away and dispersed quite quickly."