LANCASHIRE has the worst record in the North West for the number of water pollution incidents, a new report revealed today.

The Environment Agency's report showed the number of pollution incidents in the North West has increased slightly on last year, with fuels one of the major causes and Lancashire having the highest number of incidents.

But major pollution incidents which kill large numbers of fish or cause a long-term reduction in water quality, have been slashed by half from 50 to 25.

Most of the incidents were caused by fuels and oils, with sewage causing 451 incidents, organic wastes 289, and chemicals causing 185.

Pollution caused by sheep-dip also had a significant impact in areas of the North West, including East Lancashire, where it is commonly used.

Because the chemicals in sheep-dip do not directly affect fish, but kill the invertebrates fish may feed on, spillages aren't immediately apparent.

The Environment Agency has launched an action plan to help reduce the number of oil-related pollution incidents, including working closely with the construction industry. Jenny Frost, the Environment Agency's North West Regional Environment Protection manager, said: "Overall, the trend in pollution incidents is encouraging. Last year, the poor weather over the summer undoubtedly resulted in increased incidents from contractors' sites. We believe that our current programme will bring long-term improvements in pollution control."

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