Ongoing Kerosene Leak Raises Environmental Concerns

A town continues to be affected by a kerosene leak, first identified ten days ago, with concerns growing about its potential entry into nearby watercourses. Businesses in Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire, were forced to close last week, and one resident vacated his home due to the odor. Although these businesses have since reopened, Shropshire councillor Ruth Houghton, who represents the town, stated that “the kerosene is still flowing” through the drains. Councillor Houghton described the situation as “really very worrying environmentally.” The Environment Agency reported on Friday that the kerosene had not entered any watercourse or groundwater source and presented “minimal risk.” The BBC contacted the agency for an update on Monday, but it has not yet provided a comment. Ms Houghton remarked, “At some point it will enter the water courses, Bishop’s Castle is on a hill, everything will flow downhill.” She added, “Unless we get some help to resolve this then I suspect it’s inevitable.” On Thursday, Shropshire Council indicated that the leak originated from a heating oil tank at a property uphill from those affected and had been stopped. The authority further stated it had no legal responsibility for the issue, advising homeowners to contact their insurance companies and arrange visits from specialist contractors to locate the source. However, on Friday, the council suggested the leak might be coming from a second, even higher source, and Ms Houghton confirmed the town had received an additional visit from an Environmental Health officer. When contacted by the BBC on Monday, Shropshire Council stated it had nothing further to add. Ms Houghton reported on Monday that the precise origin of the leak remained unconfirmed.