The Environment Agency has provided another update following the weekend's work on the River Wandle to clean up last week's oil spill.

I am pleased to hear that the majority of the pollution appears to have been cleared. The specialist contractors managing the clean-up report that the river is looking much better today, with very little visible oil sheen remaining and no further oil being washed from vegetation along the riverbanks.

The Environment Agency tells me that, due to the swift response of multiple agencies, including the emergency services, local authorities, and charities, the impact on the environment around the Wandle appears to be minimal. Thankfully, the number of affected wildlife remains low. The few wild birds that have been impacted are being cared for by the RSPCA. No fish mortalities have been reported, and the fish populations in the Wandle appear to remain healthy.

Investigations into this incident are ongoing, and options for enforcement are being considered by the Environment Agency and its partners. People are still urged to be cautious and keep pets away from the water and angling is not recommended for the time being.

If you see any further signs of diesel around the Wandle, please contact the Environment Agency on its 24/7 incident number: 0800 807060 or via email at [email protected].

The Environment Agency continue to keep me updated about the recent oil spill into the River Wandle. The Environment Agency, along with emergency services, Thames Water, the RSPB, and local authorities, are actively working on containment and clean-up efforts.

Key Points:

• Specialist contractors have placed containment booms to limit the spread, and clean-up operations have significantly reduced visible diesel.
• No new diesel is entering the river, and rainfall is expected to dilute the remaining small quantity.
• A thin rainbow sheen on the water and a lingering diesel odour may persist for a few days.
• People and pets should avoid contact with the water.
• Observations have been undertaken of fish populations and they appear to be healthy, but fishing remains discouraged.
• The RSPCA has observed that most waterfowl and wildlife have stayed away from the pollution but are caring for a number of birds that have been contaminated.
• Report any sightings of contaminated birds to the Swan Sanctuary (01932 240790) or the RSPCA (0300 1234 999).
• If you see any significant signs of diesel, please report it to the Environment Agency’s 24/7 incident line: 0800 807060 or via email: [email protected].

My office will continue to monitor the situation and I will provide any updates as they come in.

Yesterday, I became aware that an incident had occurred on the River Wandle where diesel oil had spilled from a bus depot in Thornton Heath into the river.

The Wandle is a vital ecosystem, and is home to a range of wildbirds, fish, frogs and toads. It is critical to protect this pocket of wildlife and to ensure the progress made in bringing the river back to life is not allowed to slide backwards. 

I have been in contact with the Environment Agency who tell me that they are working to assess the impact of the oil on water quality and wildlife along the course of the river, as well as putting in place plans to extract the oil from the river. This remedial work will continue over the coming days. 

The Environment Agency advises local residents to report any oil spotted in the river to the Environment Agency's emergency hotline by phone 0800 807060 or email [email protected]

Today, in Parliament, I launched the All Party Parliamentary Group on Emergency Care. As a doctor at the A&E in St George's, I know my colleagues up and down the country work tirelessly to provide the highest standards of care for their patients in some of the most difficult of circumstances. 

Our group of Parliamentarians is committed to fighting to improve emergency care at every level. We will be hearing from experts, publishing reports and making sure that the importance of emergency care is highlighted in Government policy.