Clean-up after oil washes up on North Yorkshire coast killing birds (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Clean-up after oil washes up on North Yorkshire coast killing birds

4:25pm Tuesday 12th March 2013 in News By Janet Gleeson

A CLEAN-UP operation has been launched along a 15-mile stretch of the North Yorkshire coast after oil was washed up on beaches.

Scarborough Borough council say the beaches are open and they believe the worst of the problems are over, but warning signs are being kept in the main bays affected to make sure members of the public are aware of the problems.

The alarm was raised by surfers on Monday when they discovered oil deposits on the shoreline, some as large as plates. A total of 15 dead sea birds were also discovered.

Inspections were carried out by Council workers and the environment agency, and a spotter plane was used to see if there was any sign of oil slicks at sea. Nothing was found and there’s been no further oil found on the beaches stretching from Scarborough South Bay to Filey.

Andy Skelton, enviornmental health officer for Scarborough Council said:“We note that surfers are once again in the sea without experiencing any apparent problems and we advise that they proceed with caution while enjoying their sport.

"I would like to stress that our beaches are not closed and haven’t been closed at any time during this incident.

"However, we would advise members of the public, and in particular dog walkers, to take care when walking on the beaches and if they do come across any oil deposits to stay clear of them and report their finds to us.”

It is thought the oil could have come from a ship illegally washing out tanks at sea, and high tides and strong winds have washed the oil ashore.

The RSPB and other wildlife organisations have been involved in the operation and are monitoring the coastline for any other affected animals.

Contact Scarborough Borough Council on 01723-232323.