ENVIRONMENT Agency officials are continuing their investigation into the on-going problem of oil polluting the River Orwell.Today ducks were seen swimming in the river as oil flowed under the Princes Street bridge near the Ipswich railway station.

By Amanda Cresswell

ENVIRONMENT Agency officials are continuing their investigation into the on-going problem of oil polluting the River Orwell.

Today ducks were seen swimming in the river as oil flowed under the Princes Street bridge near the Ipswich railway station.

Lyndon Essex, on behalf of the Environment Agency, said the problem has been going on for years, but has escalated in recent weeks.

He added there was difficulty pinpointing where the oil originated from because of the nature of the industrial units nearby but they have narrowed it down.

They were looking at the possibility of the oil coming from the Constantine Road area which includes the bus depot. Another potential source is the railway station.

"We are concerned, but not gravely concerned," said Mr Essex. "It could be from an Anglian Water surface water drain, for example someone did an oil change and the rain washed it through.

"There are literally thousands of miles of surface water drains in the area and it could come from any one of those so Anglian Water is carrying out its own investigations.

"A little bit goes a long way and sometimes looks quite bad. We have a responsibility to investigate all reports. We had officers out there today.

"Because of the industry in the area this is historical. The problem is there are a number of sources in the area."

He added the oil hadn't been analysed and could be anything from kerosene, paraffin to engine oil, however, he assured The Star wildlife would not be in danger.

Tom Gondris, who heads the River Action Group, which was founded to improve the whole of the river corridor, said: "I am very concerned about the potential pollution of the river."