Environment Agency begins work into River Anton spillage

The Environment Agency has begun investigations into the leak in the body of water which passers-by first noticed on Monday, January 16.

As previously reported, the mystery substance, believed to be fuel, has been running consistently along the River Anton for the past week.

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Although the source of the spillage was previously unknown, it was believed to have begun further up the river close to Enham Arch roundabout, which has travelled all the way to the town centre.

A spokesperson for Test Valley Borough Council said: “We have been informed that the Environment Agency has found the source of the spillage in the River Anton, in Andover, and they are working with contractors to stop the release. Once this has been done, and they are confident there is no more being released into the stream, water booms will be placed in certain locations along the river to remove the remaining pollutant."

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“Incidents like these should always be reported to the Environment Agency, as it is a matter for them."

An Environment Agency spokesman said: “Our specialist officers are investigating a substance found on a stretch of the River Anton in Andover. We have been on site, stopping the pollution and limiting any environmental harm to the river with floating booms that prevented the substance from spreading.

“Anyone with information about this incident, or any other suspected pollution in our rivers and streams, can call our 24-hour hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or by visiting gov.uk/report-an-environmental-incident.”