Major Clean-Up After Oil Dumped Near Market Harborough Housing Estate

A major clean-up is underway after a large amount of dumped oil and a diesel-like substance flowed into a ditch next to a housing estate in Market Harborough.

The Environment Agency has been using pumps and tankers to remove the liquid from beside a footpath on land between the A6 and Simborough Way on the Ashley Way estate.

It is believed the substance was dumped into a drain on the A6.

So far, 38 tonnes of contaminated liquid — roughly the equivalent of two tanker loads — along with 400 kilograms of polluted soil have been removed from the site.

Pic: Adrian Troughton

Residents raised the alarm over the weekend after noticing a strong smell and people are now being urged to avoid the site while the clean-up continues.

County councillor Sarah Hill, who represents the area, told HFM she is appalled by the incident:

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “We are aware of oil pollution in a drainage ditch adjacent to the A6 road on the eastern side of Market Harborough.

“Contractors were on site Saturday cleaning and containing the oil to ensure no spread. They will be back on site on Monday (23/03) to continue the clean-up.

“We understand that the substance was tipped down a drain on the A6.

“We urge anyone with information about the incident to contact our 24/7 environmental incidents hotline on 0800 807060, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

“We ask that the public avoids the site until the clean-up is complete to allow the contractors to continue their important work.”

The agency added that no impact on wildlife has been seen.

Pic: Adrian Troughton

Pic: Adrian Troughton

Cllr Phil Knowles, leader of Harborough District Council said: “Residents will be very keen to have more information on this.

“It is not directly a responsibility of Harborough District Council, but we have been in touch with the Environment Agency and offered our assistance.”