AN investigation has been launched to trace how more than 1,000 gallons of septic tank waste polluted a brook in Hoddlesden.

The Environment Agency received reports of smells in the area and further investigation revealed that a tributary of Waterside Brook had been contaminated. A half-mile stretch has been affected and agency environment protection staff have been working hard with Blackburn with Darwen Council to prevent it reaching the Hoddlesden Reservoir, which is a popular area for fishing. Investigations have traced the source of contamination to a manhole at the junction of Harwood Lane and Hoddlesden Road, and believe it had been deliberately tipped into the drainage system.

Paul Parkinson, the Environment Agency's area protection officer, said: "We have been working to clean up the waste and are continuing investigations, but more information would prove useful. We are appealing for anyone who may have information, or has seen a person or vehicle near the site, to contact us. Help from the public can often be invaluable and we encourage active participation by the public to improve the environment."

Agency officers constructed a dam on part of the tributary and drained the waste off, before collecting it ready for disposal.

Anyone with information should contact the Environment Agency's 24-hour hotline on 0800 807060.

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