Major Oil Spill Clean-Up Enters Fourth Day in Market Harborough

A major clean-up operation in Market Harborough is entering its fourth day after a large amount of oil was illegally dumped.

Specialist contractors are continuing to remove contaminated liquid and soil from a 300-metre stretch of ditch, next to a footpath between the A6 and Ashley Way estate.

The clean-up continues. Pic: Adrian Troughton

So far, more than 100 tonnes of contaminated liquid —the equivalent of around 1,500 bathtubs – and 500 kilograms of polluted soil have been removed.

The clean-up continues.

The spill, near Simborough Way, was discovered on Friday morning and is believed to have been tipped down a drain in a nearby layby on the A6 before flowing into the ditch.

It’s believed a tanker or similar vehicle was parked at the scene when the dumping occurred and an appeal for information has been launched.

Ben Thornley from the Environment Agency spoke to HFM at the scene:

Ben Thornley from the Environment Agency at the scene of the clean-up

Tankers are being used to remove the contaminated liquid

The Environment Agency urged anyone with information about the incident to call their 24/7 hotline on 0800 807060 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.