Toxic chemical spillage discovered in Walsall

A toxic chemical spillage has been discovered in Pleck, Walsall, which is a “potential serious risk to health”.

This spillage, which was found on Monday (August 12) has gone directly into a stretch of the canal from Spinks Bridge, Walsall down to Birchills Street Bridge.

A statement from Walsall Council said the spillage “is a potential serious risk to health if you or your pets are exposed (direct physical contact with the water) in the affected stretch of the canal”.

Access to the area of the canal in the immediate area is being closed and the affected stretch of the canal has been contained to reduce the harm to wildlife and the wider waterway.

The public has been asked to avoid the canal and its towpaths in the affected area.

Anyone who has been exposed (direct physical contact) along the affected stretch of canal water and is feeling unwell, has been advised to seek health advice via 111 or 999 in an emergency.

The Environmental Agency has been contacted for comment, with no immediate response received.