Oil spill on Guernsey beach 'is vandalism'

Deputy Sirett said whoever had dumped the oil had shown a total disregard for the environment

An oil spill on a Guernsey beach has been described as "a deliberate act of vandalism" by the environment minister.

The department said a "significant quantity of what appears to be old engine oil" was poured over the steps at the northern end of Vazon on Friday.

Response teams cleared up the majority of the oil on the same day.

Deputy Peter Sirett described those responsible as being without "sense of reason and understanding about the planet they live on".

He said: "Not only have they ruined the area for beach users they have shown a total disregard for their and our environment."

States Works and Guernsey Water mopped up the oil using an absorbent sheet designed for the purpose followed by the application of special granules.

The department said small domestic quantities of old engine oil could be disposed of free of charge at the Longue Hougue reclamation site.