Dear Residents,
Please see below for news regarding the oil pollution in the rivers Hiz and Oughton; OWL (Herts Police online messaging service); and a reminder about the forthcoming Christmas lights switch-on event.
Environment Agency Press Release
From 1 September to 1 November 2023 the Environment Agency has been responding to an oil pollution incident on the River Oughton and River Hiz. We have identified the source of the pollution and through our own internal and external laboratory analysis of both the oil, the river water and the water in oil emulsion sludge, we can confirm, as a result of this incident, that there will not be any short- or long-term impacts to the health of the rivers or to members of the public. However, the Environment Agency would also ask the public to undertake caution, if they enter any non-bathing water approved rivers.
The oil protection booms will be removed from the River Hiz and the Environment Agency will continue to maintain a watching brief over the rivers as they continue their further investigation and are now moving to looking at our enforcement policy for the next stage of response.
The Environment Agency would like to thank all the members of Ickleford community for their initial response to the incident and the support they have given the EA officers in undertaking the pollution response. If any member of the public sees or is made of aware of an incident that could be a risk to the environment or human health, then call the Environment Agency hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
SUS vehicle GOSMORE
On Tuesday 21st November at approx 11:30hrs a White TOYOTA HILUX CV20APF was seen acting suspiciously in and around the Gosmore area.
The three occupants of the vehicle appeared to be driving into farm yards and offering to Tarmac their drive ways .
If you see any vehicles acting suspiciously , offering services or items to buy please make a note of the registration if possible and contact Herts Police.
Please call 101 or use web chat on www.herts.police.uk
Parish Council Christmas Lights Event – Friday 1st December at 5.15pm
