Depot diesel pollutes Croydon river

A diesel spill suspected as having come from a bus depot near Croydon has polluted the River Wandle, a river which has been the focus of an environmental recovery programme.

As much as 4,000 litres of diesel is believed to have entered the river near Thornton Heath, causing ‘devastation’ to wildlife, including animals and birds getting soaked in the fuel. Bobby Dean, Liberal Democrat MP for Carshalton and Wallington, said: “The community has been working so hard over the years to clean up the River Wandle and so it’s devastating to see it hit by such a major pollution incident.

“Wildlife is already suffering and who knows what damage it will be doing to the fragile eco-system along the waterway? This should never have happened and those responsible must be held to account. I am engaged with the Environment Agency and demanding urgent answers on how this occurred, a clear plan to clean this up and to make sure this never happens again.”

The spill is being address by the Environment Agency. A spokesperson for Merton Council said the spill had left animals covered in oil at Watermeads Nature Reserve in Mitcham.