Residents in Walsall are being urged to avoid a stretch of the canal in Pleck where hazardous chemicals are reported to have spilled ‘directly into’ the waterway (Picture: Wikimedia)
Authorities in Walsall have shut off all routes to a nearby canal after a ‘toxic chemical spill’ contaminated the water supply.
Residents are being advised to avoid a segment of the canal in Pleck, Walsall, after hazardous chemicals reportedly spilled ‘directly into’ the water at around midday on Monday.
Walsall council have warned that anyone who comes into contact with the contaminated water faces a ‘potential serious risk’ to their health, and have warned pet owners that the risk also extends to dogs and other animals.
The toxic spill has triggered a large multi-agency response as environmental workers try to limit the contamination to nearby waterways and wildlife. In total, eight organisations are working in relation to the toxic spill, including the Environment Agency and the UK Health Security Agency.
The contaminted water poses a ‘serious risk to health’ (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
People have been urged to stay away from the affected stretch while the cleanup operation takes place, which extends a few miles from Spinks Bridge to Birchills Street Bridge.
The area’s drinking water has not been affected.
The source and scale of the chemical spill has also not been identified.
In a statement, Walsall Council said: ’There is a potential serious risk to health if you or your pets are exposed (direct physical contact with the water) in the affected stretch of the canal.
‘Access to the area of the canal in the immediate area is being closed and the affected stretch of the canal has been contained to reduce the harm to wildlife and the wider waterway.
‘The public are asked to avoid the canal and its towpaths in the affected area.
‘Anyone who has been exposed (direct physical contact) along the affected stretch of canal water and is feeling unwell, should seek health advice via 111 or 999 in an emergency.
‘If you have taken any fish from the canal, please do not eat it. If you have concerns around the disposal of animals or fish, please contact the Environment Agency.’
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