Swans rescued from oil spill at river trouble spot

The oil spilled into the river from a drain near a spot where swans gather to be fed by the public

Ten swans have been rescued from a river in Reading following an oil spill.

Swan Support said it was called on Wednesday afternoon after a member of the public saw an animal covered in oil in the River Kennet.

Several swans had to be rescued from the same location after an oil spill from the same drain at the bottom of Cholmeley Road in July 2024.

The Environment Agency (EA) said it was investigating, while Thames Water claimed a third party may have been responsible.

Wendy Hermon, who has worked for Swan Support for more than 30 years, said: "Where the oil spill is, where it's coming in is a place where there usually fed. So the swans were congregating over where the oil was coming out of the drain.

"Why is it happening again? It's not good enough. This is the worst it's been. Something needs to be done about it.

"It's very stressful for them. You're taking them from their natural environment into captivity to wash them. ...I just think it's so unnecessary and avoidable."

An EA spokesman said: "Pollution incidents are unacceptable and we share the public anger.

"Specialist officers are investigating... They are working with Thames Water to identify the source, after which, next steps will be considered."

A Thames Water spokesperson said: "Initial investigations suggest that an oil-based substance may have entered the river via a roadside gully, likely by a third party.

"Our teams are continuing to investigate the source and extent of the incident, and we are working closely with the Environment Agency to assess the environmental impact."